Thunderstorms possible in Northern California. What it means for Sacramento air quality

Temperatures are taking a steep drop on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, going from highs in the 90s on Thursday before settling to 75 degrees.

The service is also forecasting possible thunderstorms from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with lightning, small hail, brief heavy rain and gusty winds coming mainly over the mountains and the northern Sacramento Valley. The northern part of the state are also facing wildfires, which have been pushing smoke toward Sacramento and affecting air quality.

On Friday, Sacramento can expect a 20% chance of showers throughout the day and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. as well as gusts getting as high as 20 mph. Lows are around 61 degrees.

Kate Forrest, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the reason for the quick change in the weather is due to a strong low-pressure system bringing cooler temperatures and the potential for a storm.

Will this affect air quality?

Forrest said southwesterly winds will pick up Thursday night and into tomorrow, with gusts expected at 22 mph.

She said this will help mitigate smoke by pushing it out of the Valley, improving air quality conditions. From Friday to the weekend, smoke and haze should clear out, improving visibility.

However, the Redding area may see smoke return due to the recirculation of wind. She said to expect smoke to still affect visibility Thursday night in the northern Valley.

According to Spare the Air, air quality is forecast in the moderate zone for Thursday and Friday for Sacramento. Saturday will be “Good” but it returns to moderate on Sunday and Monday.

It’ll get warmer

Temperatures will pick up after Friday.

Saturday and Sunday’s highs are forecast at 79 and 83, respectively. Labor Day is expected to have a high near 89.

According to the service, 90 degree weather returns starting Tuesday.