Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Sonora, CA

DISCUSSION

Hot and dry conditions continue today, with highs in the 90s across the Valley and around 100 degrees in the northern Sacramento Valley. Moderate HeatRisk for today across the Valley and adjacent foothills. Delta flow will help bring temperatures down this evening and into the overnight, with west to southwesterly winds at 10-20kts. There is an isolated chance for a shower or thunderstorm in the Sierra (along the crest) along and south of Highway 50 this afternoon and evening. CAMS have hinted at these quick moving isolated showers and storms, with frequent lightning and gusty outflows possible.

The ridge aloft starts to break down and shift east tomorrow through the weekend helping bring temperatures down across the area. Highs will generally be in the 80s across the Valley, with the warmest temperatures in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Troughing sets into the region Thursday and Friday, with increased moisture content and instability. This brings the chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms to the mountains both days.
Some of these storms could have frequent lightning, gusty outflows, quick downpours, and the potential for new fire starts where lightning happens outside of the rain. Best chances for showers and storms would be during the afternoon and early evening hours on both days. The higher instability, moisture, and coverage lies on Friday afternoon. Some of these storms may be isolated dry thunderstorms on Thursday. Elevated fire weather conditions are anticipated due to the potential for elevated mountain thunderstorms and gusty thunderstorm outflow winds Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures will be at or below normal on Saturday, but start to increase as we transition back to ridging Sunday and into next week. Confidence is increasing that we return to 90s and lower 100s early next week, with low RH values and potential for breezy conditions.

AVIATION

VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hours. Winds will begin to increase later this afternoon and evening in the Delta, with westerly gusts up to 20kts possible for the Sacramento sites. Winds will be out of the NW to WNW for MOD and SCK this evening and out of the south for RBL and RDD. Later in the night, winds will go light and variable through 18z tomorrow.

STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
None.