According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento is preparing for a wet and windy end to the week as several weather systems move through Northern California. Residents can expect rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds starting today and lasting into the weekend. However, drier weather may arrive early next week.
In an early morning report, the National Weather Service painted a picture of cloudy skies and breezy conditions, with temperatures ranging in the 40s to 50s in valleys and foothills, and the 20s to 30s in the mountains. As the first wave of storms sweeps through NorCal, scattered showers are forecasted, mainly affecting areas north of Interstate 80. "The majority of accumulating precipitation expected north of I-80," the NWS advisory stated. For those living south of I-80, the chance of receiving over half an inch of rain drops significantly, from 20% to 40% probability.
The next system is due to follow quickly on the heels of the first, bringing enhanced chances for more widespread rain on Friday. This includes a 30% to 60% possibility of the Delta and Central Valley being hit with substantial rainfall. Higher elevations could see snow accumulations upwards of six inches above 6000 feet. Consequently, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in place until noon on Friday, warning of potential disruptions to mountain travel due to the weather conditions. Strong southerly winds are also anticipated which may affect areas from Yuba City to Red Bluff.
Despite a continuing weather streak through the weekend, Saturday might provide a slight reprieve, particularly in elevations below 8000 feet where light snow accumulations are projected. Come Sunday, however, the NWS forecast hints at another uptick in precipitation and a drop in snow levels. "Snow levels will initially sit around 6000-7000 feet before lowering that afternoon to 5000 to 6000 feet Sunday afternoon," the NWS detailed. Increased rainfall is likely, especially over Shasta County and higher terrain, with the potential for isolated thunderstorms in the Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Once this turbulent weather phase clears, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with "upper-level ridging" influencing conditions into the following week. This pattern suggests a stretch of near to slightly above normal temperatures and possibly clearer skies, although some models suggest that northern parts of the CWA could see some precipitation towards mid-week. The NWS recommends checking their website and the California Department of Transportation's QuickMap before venturing out for continued updates on the evolving weather situation and travel advisories.
