Cooler temperatures, widespread rain return to Sacramento area
Our next storm system will bring noticeable changes to the Sacramento area with precipitation from Friday night to Saturday. This will bring a 20-30 degree temperature drop along with widespread rain and possible thunderstorms for the valley and another round of winter travel over the Sierra.
This comes after most of the region saw temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s Wednesday and Thursday, making it the warmest days of the season so far.
The transition Friday
Friday will be the transition day as the storm moves closer. Expect a few showers across the northern valley, increasing clouds and gusty winds through the evening. Highs will be cooler than the past few days, with most reaching for the ups and 70s.
A few thunderstorms will be possible too across the northern valley and foothills with just enough instability and moisture around.
Storms that develop may produce dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, small accumulating hail, gusty winds, and brief heavy rain.
Temperatures drop as storm moves in
By Saturday, high temperatures will be running in the mid-50s for the valley, placing us near record-low maximum temperatures. Roughly 10-15 degrees cooler than average regionwide.
As the initial cold front moves in, widespread rain will sweep across the valley and foothills Saturday morning.
We'll notice the increase in wind too, with gusts up to 35-40 MPH as the storm arrives. Gusts up to 50 MPH across the Sierra will be likely.
Snow levels start around 7,000 feet, meaning rain will mix with snow in the Sierra before snow levels drop down to 4,500 feet by Saturday evening.
Rain and snow will continue for the foothills and Sierra through Saturday afternoon, while the valley transitions to scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Storms that develop may produce dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, small accumulating hail, gusty winds, brief heavy rain and a funnel cloud can't be ruled out.
The valley should receive anywhere from 0.5-1" of rain with 1-1.5" expected over the foothills.
Across the Sierra, snow levels will generally high throughout the weekend. Snow levels drop to 4,500 feet at the lowest point through Sunday. With the warmer weather we've had lately, it may take a while before snow begins to accumulate.
By Sunday, the Sierra could receive 2-5" of snow for elevations above 6,000 feet with minor accumulation down to 5,000 feet. The higher peaks south of Highway 50 should see the upper end of that range, whereas Donner Pass to the north, will likely fall in the lower end of the range.
Although impacts will be minimal, be prepared for winter travel if you are heading across the Sierra this weekend. Chain controls could be possible.
Sunday into next week
Snow showers will linger into Sunday for the Sierra while the valley dries out.
Sunday will be a better day to get outside and run errands. However, still a cooler day with highs in the low 60s.
Looking ahead to next week, we will return to quiet weather with ample sunshine and seasonable temps. Highs reach for the low 70s across the valley again on Monday.
