Northern California Forecast: Slightly below normal temperatures keep conditions palatable for many

This week’s forecast includes dry conditions for most areas, with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.Photo byKalea MorganonUnsplash

Northern California is set to experience near to slightly below normal temperatures as the region heads into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Clear skies dominate much of the area, with only some cumulus clouds forming near Lassen National Park. Smoke is also visible in parts of far northern California.

This week’s forecast includes dry conditions for most areas, with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in far northern Shasta County. Valley temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-90s, which is a few degrees cooler than typical for mid-August.

As the week progresses, an upper-level shortwave along the California-Nevada coast will move inland, bringing renewed onshore flow and keeping temperatures moderated. By Saturday, winds are expected to pick up, especially in the central and northern Sacramento Valley, where gusts could exceed 25 mph, posing a concern for active wildfires. The chance of thunderstorms will also increase slightly in Shasta and Tehama Counties.