491
FXUS66 KSTO 031903
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1203 PM PDT Fri Apr 3 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 expected into early Saturday
   morning. Strongest winds expected today.

 - Dry and warm weather expected into early next week with Minor
   HeatRisk.

 - Cooler temperatures and unsettled weather mid to late next
   week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Today through Early Next Week...
Above normal temperatures and dry conditions are anticipated
across the region into early next week as ridging remains in
place. Breezy northerly winds persist this afternoon, with the
strongest along and west of the I-5 corridor in the Sacramento
Valley and over the mountains. Gusts up to 20-35 mph have been
observed so far today. Northerly winds will gradually diminish
later this afternoon into the evening. Breezy downslope winds
linger over the Sierra into Saturday morning, with lighter winds
elsewhere.

Otherwise, daytime highs will be 10-20 degrees above normal
through early next week. High temperatures are forecast to rise
back into low to mid 80s in the Valley by Saturday through Monday,
with Widespread Minor HeatRisk in the Valley, Delta and
foothills. Individuals should practice heat safety and use caution
and life jackets near cold area waterways.

...Mid to Late Week...
Ensembles depict a troughing pattern developing across the area
by mid to late week, bringing cooler temperatures and unsettled
weather conditions. Confidence is still low with this system.
Highest chances for light precipitation appears to be over the
northern Sacramento Valley, foothills, and mountains, with the
latest NBM highlighting a 40-60% chance of precipitation greater
than 0.25 inches for those areas through Thursday. Light showers
could potentially linger over the Sierra into Friday. NBM
probabilities indicate the potential for thunderstorms on
Wednesday (15-30% chance) and Thursday (10-25% chance). 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 gust 15 to 25 kts through the Valley until
around 03Z Saturday. Winds then weaken to less than 12 kts
through 18Z Saturday. Over the mountains, northeast to east winds
will gust 20 to 35 kts until around 22Z Saturday.

&&

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

$$