San Francisco, California – A high-confidence warm and dry weather pattern is expected to dominate California and much of the West Coast beginning Thursday, with little to no chance of rain and temperatures running well above normal through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of California falls within a greater than 90 percent probability of above-normal temperatures from Thursday through Monday. At the same time, precipitation chances are well below normal, signaling a nearly rain-free stretch across the region.
Northern and central California, including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Stockton, and Chico, are expected to remain dry throughout the period. Daytime highs will climb above typical mid-January levels, while overnight lows stay relatively mild. The lack of storm systems will allow for extended dry conditions, with occasional clouds but no meaningful rainfall.
Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego, is also expected to see a continuation of dry weather. Temperatures will trend above average, especially inland, with afternoon warmth standing out for this time of year. Coastal areas may see marine clouds at times, but rain is not expected.
The Sierra Nevada and higher terrain across the West will also remain largely dry. Snowpack growth is expected to stall during this period due to the absence of moisture and warmer-than-normal temperatures, which may impact long-term water supply if the pattern persists.
Similar dry and warm signals extend north through Oregon and Washington, reinforcing a broader West Coast ridge pattern that suppresses storm development and keeps the jet stream displaced well to the north.
Travel conditions are expected to remain favorable across major corridors, with no weather-related disruptions anticipated. Residents should remain mindful of fire weather concerns in typically dry areas, especially if winds increase.
This strong warm-and-dry pattern is expected to hold into early next week. Any return to cooler or wetter conditions appears unlikely until beyond this timeframe.
