January 6, 2022
Most of the valley south of Fresno County had cleared of its fog and low clouds as of 1:00pm. The Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys were still plagued by a low cloud deck. Temperatures in the hazy sunshine south of Fresno County are pushing the 60 degree mark. Upper level high pressure is directly above us this afternoon along with its bubble of subsiding air. With dew points pushing 50 again, fog and/or low clouds will redevelop during the late evening and overnight hours. The high will temporarily break down over its northern flank, allowing a weak trough of low pressure to move through the Pacific Northwest and northern California. It’s doubtful that this system will have enough low level wind energy to temporarily rid the valley of its fog and low clouds.
Behind this fast moving system will be a rapidly building ridge of high pressure which,, by Sunday, will cover the western US and western Canada. Arctic air will continue to slide down the back of the high, affecting the US west of the Rockies with the western 1/3 of the US experiencing well above average temperatures with the possible exception of the central valley where widespread fog and low clouds will remain in place.
Medium range models continue to show a blocking ridge pattern through the middle of the month for more dry weather and extensive low clouds during the night and morning hours.
Forecast: Low overcast and/or fog with partial afternoon clearing through Sunday. Fog and/or low clouds will continue Sunday night through Thursday with partial afternoon clearing.
Short Term:
Lows tonight and again Friday night will cool into the low to mid 40s. Highs Friday and Saturday afternoons will warm into the mid 50s to near 60 where skies are generally clear in the afternoons to the upper 40s to lower 50s where fog and low clouds are dominant.
Wind Discussion: Winds will be generally at or less than 6 MPH with periods of near calm conditions through Sunday..
Rain: No rain is expected for at least the next seven to 10 days
Frost: Expect above freezing conditions for at least the next week and possibly ten days.
Next report: January 7