Weather ahead is a bit of a mixed bag for Sacramento according to the National Weather Service. The region can expect "periods of rain and mountain snow expected through Tuesday with breezy southerly winds," with a side of thunderstorms thrown in today for good measure. While a "10-20% chance of isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening" doesn't sound too daunting, if you hear thunder, remember the advice from NWS – "GO INDOORS!" especially with the potential for "brief heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and lightning." The detailed forecast, which includes specifics on a Winter Storm Warning, can be found on the NWS website.
The Winter Storm Warning is not to be taken lightly, as it extends "until 4 PM Tuesday for elevations above 6000 feet along the Sierra/ Southern Cascades," impacting major routes like Interstate 80 and Highway 50. If you're planning to travel over the mountains, be prepared to confront snow, with "total snowfall accumulations are expected to be between 1 and 4 feet with up to 5 feet along the higher peaks of the Sierra," as NWS warns. Even for those sticking around the Valley, rain is set to keep things wet with anticipated precipitation amounts ranging from "0.75" to 1.75" in the Valley, 1.00" to 3.00" in the foothills, and 2.00" to 4.00" in the mountains." It seems like the perfect time to definitely get cozy indoors and prep for Thanksgiving day's dry conditions.
The rainfall isn't done with us yet as scattered showers may persist into Wednesday, which might result in "additional rainfall accumulations less than an inch over the mountains and snowfall amounts 3 to 5 inches above 6000'." But for those of us pinning hopes on a family football game come Thanksgiving, the extended forecast is looking dry from Thursday onwards. A ridge of high pressure is set to bring back calmer skies and a return to cooler, "slightly below normal temperatures," which could be seen as an unofficial welcome to the winter season in NorCal, as mentioned on NWS.
As for the travelers among us, especially those opting for air travel, the weather could affect flight plans. The National Weather Service advises that "Scattered light to moderate precipitation later today (13Z-02Z) will result in periods of VFR/MVFR conditions across the Valley and foothills with areas of IFR/LIFR in the mountains." Additionally, gusty southerly winds up to 40 kts over Sierra could prove challenging, although clearer skies post-05Z tomorrow might bring some respite. So, it's advisable to check with your airline for any weather-related updates before heading to the airport.
