The National Weather Service in Sacramento has forecasted an active weather pattern for Northern California, bringing snow, rain, and gusty winds through at least early next week. The region is set to experience several periods of precipitation through Friday, with snow in the mountains and rain with wind in lower areas.
The National Weather Service reports that clouds are gathering over the Valley, with rain spreading into the mountains and central regions. As the weather system advances, a cold front is expected to bring the heaviest rainfall today across the Northern Sacramento Valley and the mountains. A winter weather advisory has been issued, forecasting snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches and gusts up to 45 mph from 10 AM today to 10 PM Friday.
Rainfall chances range from 65-95% for over an inch in the mountains and Northern Sacramento Valley, while areas south of Red Bluff are expected to receive less, around 0.10-0.50 inches, due to rain shadow effects. There is also a 10-20% chance of isolated thunderstorms north of Highway 32 today and north of I-80 on Thursday, with concerns for debris flow impacting the Park Fire Burn Scar area.
Mountain snow will continue, reaching as low as 4,000 feet by Friday morning. There is a 60-80% chance of receiving more than 12 inches of snow between today and Friday night, with Lassen National Park expecting 2-3 feet of snow. Weather conditions are expected to improve after Friday, though another weather system will bring snow showers Sunday night into Monday, with snow levels initially around 5,000 to 6,000 feet, lowering to 3,500 to 5,500 feet by Monday morning.
Aviation conditions are expected to be challenging, with the possibility of MVFR/IFR conditions in storm-affected areas. Cloud cover is increasing over the Valley, and wind gusts in the foothills are expected to reach 20-35 mph, especially in the early afternoon, before easing this evening.