544
FXUS66 KSTO 261805
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1105 AM PDT Thu Mar 26 2026

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

.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Gusty and drying north to east winds today into Friday morning
   with slightly cooler temperatures

 - Above normal temperatures continue through the weekend with
   Minor HeatRisk and dry conditions

 - Pattern change next week brings rain and mountain snow
   chances, isolated thunderstorms, breezy winds and cooler
   temperatures back to the region

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Through Sunday...
Current satellite imagery shows a few high clouds moving across
interior northern California on this Thursday morning.
Temperatures are currently trending 5 to 10 degrees cooler than
this time yesterday. Breezy north winds are being observed in the
Valley and will start to decrease this afternoon/evening. Breezes
in the mountain/foothill gaps and canyons are forecast tonight
out of the northeast to east. High pressure will build back in
over the next few days, bringing temperatures back up to well
above normal for late March climatology. There is little to no
HeatRisk today, and then widespread Minor HeatRisk is forecast for
much of the area from Friday through Sunday. Highs will be in the
70s to 80s for the Valley and foothills and 60s to 80s in the
mountains over this timeframe. Individuals should continue to
practice heat safety and use caution and life jackets near cold
area waterways.

...Next Week...
Confidence continues to increase in a significant pattern change
next week as ensemble guidance and cluster analysis indicate
upper level troughing returning to the region. This will bring
along a Spring storm system that will have the potential for rain
and mountain snow. Best chances currently look like the mid to
late week timeframe. Right now snow levels are approximately 6000
to 7000 feet Tuesday in snow showers, lowering to around 5000 to
6000 ft late Wednesday and Thursday. There is still quite a spread
in possible outcomes so we will continue to monitor the trends and
provide more details over the coming days. Temperatures will also
trend cooler and more seasonable for the time of year, in the 60s
in the Valley by Tuesday. Periodically breezy winds and isolated
to scattered thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. There is still
uncertainty in exact details and timing so be sure to plan ahead
for wetter weather and check back frequently for updates!

&&

.AVIATION...
VFR conditions expected across interior NorCal sites next 24
hours. Breezy north to east winds gusting 20 to 30 kts continue
through 06z Friday, then gradually decreasing through Friday
morning. Additionally, gusty downslope easterly winds up to 35 kts
are anticipated along the Sierra through 15z Friday.

&&

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

&&

$$