552
FXUS66 KSTO 161959
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1259 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026

For additional details on weather and expected impacts over the
next 7 days, please visit weather.gov/sto/briefing.

.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Dry weather with well-above normal temperatures expected
   through the week with Minor to Moderate HeatRisk

 - Hottest days this week Thursday-Friday with widespread low 90s
   throughout the Central Valley before minor cooling this weekend

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Today-Wednesday...
High pressure will continue to translate and strengthen as it
slowly moves onshore this week. As such, high temperatures will
continue to be well above seasonal normals across the region.
Resultant Minor HeatRisk will become more widespread today into
Wednesday, with Moderate HeatRisk beginning to develop for patches
of the Central Valley south of Interstate 80 Wednesday. The
Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) continues to show impressive shift of
tails for high temperatures across the region for all of this
week, and the upper level high pressure strength remains
impressive in ensemble forecasts. Overnight recoveries are helping
keep the worst of HeatRisk values at bay, with relief expected
overnight each day this week. High temperatures in the mid 80s to
low 90s expected across the Central Valley with incremental
increases in temperatures each day. Although little to no impacts
are expected from this, forecasts also show north gusts up to
15-20 MPH Monday late morning and afternoon.

...Thursday-Sunday...
Thursday into Friday will be the hottest days this week with minor
to moderate HeatRisk in the Valley and Delta and widespread low
90s. Current forecast have a 60-85% chance of highs over 90
degrees over the Central Valley, highest over the Delta and
northern San Joaquin areas. Overnight relief remains through the
back end of the week with overnight lows in the 50s. Temperatures
cool later this weekend but will remain above normal.

If you are outside or planning outdoor activities this week,
please remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. As
this is an anomalous heat event, individuals may not be fully
acclimated to the emerging heat. Local waterways are also running
very cold due to snowmelt.

&&

.AVIATION...

VFR conditions are expected for the next 24 hours. Surface winds
generally around 5-12 kts.
 &&

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

$$