SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Summer-like weather returns to Northern California with the first 90 degree days of the year expected later in the week.
Monday will be the coolest day of the week with highs in the low 80s expected in the valley. High pressure will build in Monday and will gain strength as the week wears on.
The hottest temperatures of the week (and the year so far) are expected Friday with a high of 91. Temperatures are expected to dip back down into the 70s and 80s by early next week.
NWS Sacramento issued a moderate heat risk for parts of the valley for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Part of the reason for the issuance of the heat risk is due to it being the first heat event of the year.
The warmest temperature Sacramento has experienced so far this year happened Saturday (86 degrees at the downtown Sacramento station).
Sacramento typically sees its first 90 degree day in early to mid-May but it has happened as early as March 26.
The warmer temperatures expected this week will rapidly accelerate snowmelt in the Sierra. Temperatures are expected to reach all the way into the 70s in Truckee and Tahoe, and even into the 60s for the highest elevations. Overnight lows will likely stay above freezing as well, allowing for snow melt around the clock.
Although temperatures will be on the hot side, local waterways will not be. Rivers and streams will be running very fast and cold due to the rapid snowmelt.
Exhibit extreme caution around local waterways for the next few months as water will continue to be flowing very fast and cold due to the melt.