771
FXUS66 KSTO 022002
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
102 PM PDT Thu Apr 2 2026

For additional details on weather and expected impacts over the
next 7 days, please visit weather.gov/sto/briefing.

.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Breezy north to east winds develop this afternoon into early
   Saturday morning. Strongest winds expected on Friday.

 - Dry and warm weather expected Friday into early next week.

 - Potential for cooler temperatures and unsettled weather by the
   middle of next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Today through Early Next Week...
Dry conditions prevail across interior NorCal this afternoon under
drier northwest flow. A period of breezy northerly to easterly
winds is forecast this afternoon into Friday. Strongest winds are
expected along and west of the I-5 corridor in the Sacramento
Valley and over the mountains. Gusts ranging from 20-35 mph are
expected, strongest wind gusts on Friday. Breezy downslope winds
continue along the Sierra into Saturday morning, with lighter
winds elsewhere.

Otherwise, above normal temperatures and dry conditions are
anticipated across the region Friday into early next week as
ridging builds back into the region. High temperatures are
forecast to rise back into low to mid 80s in the Valley by
Saturday and through early next week, with Widespread Minor
HeatRisk. Individuals should practice heat safety and use caution
and life jackets near cold area waterways.

...Tuesday - Mid-Week...
Ensembles depict an upper low taking shape over the eastern
Pacific that will move across the area by mid-week, bringing
cooler temperatures and unsettled weather conditions. Confidence
is low with this system, but best potential for light showers
appears to be over the northern Sacramento Valley and mountains
at this time. Light showers could potentially linger over the
Sierra into Thursday. Latest NBM also suggests the potential for
isolated thunderstorms (10-20% probability). Stay tuned for
updates as the forecast continues to evolve.

&&

.AVIATION...
Widespread VFR conditions expected over the next 24 hours. North
to northeast winds will be breezy throughout the area today
through Friday, becoming more isolated to the Sierra on Saturday.

North to northeast winds will gust 15 to 20 kts through the Valley
today, increasing up to 30 kts after 08Z Friday and continuing
until around 03Z Saturday. Over the mountains, northeast to east
winds will gust 20 to 30 kts, increasing up to 40 kts after 05Z
Friday.

&&

.STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

$$