Northern California forecast: Subtly cooler Wednesday, with hazy skies from wildfire smoke
A subtle Delta breeze will keep temperatures below 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday.
A subtle Delta breeze will keep temperatures below 100 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday in Northern California.
Smoke from the Gann Fire will create hazy skies, with the thickest smoke along and east of Highway 49 into the Tahoe area.
Heat builds again Friday through the weekend, making Friday, Saturday and Sunday Impact Days due to triple-digit heat. Those with outdoor activities planned, work outside or are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses should plan accordingly.
Delta breeze impacts
A cooler and comfortable morning is underway in Sacramento with a light Delta breeze.
Thanks to a thickening marine later and the returning strength of our onshore winds, today is forecast to be a touch cooler with valley highs in the upper 90s.
Number of 100 degree days are down
Onshore flow will also keep Thursday’s temperature below 100s as our ridge of high pressure flattens temporarily.
Heat will scale back up
However, heat will build again by Friday and continue through the weekend.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are Impact Days because of the expected heat.
Air quality impacts
Meanwhile, hazy conditions are possible due to wildfire smoke. The thickest smoke will be along and east of Highway 49, with plumes extending toward the Tahoe area on Wednesday.
As winds shift, the smoke may also shift south on Thursday.
Foothills & Sierra 7 day forecast
This weekend may be an uncomfortable one for those in higher elevation as heat builds and smoke lingers.
Those with respiratory sensitivities are advised to limit time outdoors.
Valley 7 day forecast
Air quality will also remain moderate in the valley where high temperatures will return to low 100s this weekend.
A more meaningful cooldown is forecast to arrive next week.