As the recent storm system departs from the Sacramento region, residents can look forward to a brief period of calm before another weather system arrives. According to the National Weather Service Sacramento CA, the forecast suggests dry conditions will dominate the area for much of today, with the next bout of precipitation starting late tonight and persisting into Tuesday morning. The weather turnaround will be marked by a weaker system, with effects expected to be greatest in Shasta County, the southern Cascades/Sierra and adjacent foothills.
After the departure of the previous system, which cleared the skies and calmed the winds, there’s a risk of frost this morning, especially in the foothills. Fog development could become a talking point; the National Weather Service predicts "around a 40-80% chance of visibilities less than 1/2 mile from Redding to Modesto" due to recent rains and stagnant air. By Tuesday afternoon, conditions should clear up, though some isolated showers may linger in the mountains.
Shasta County and surrounding mountainous areas should prepare for a significant snowfall, with the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Weather Advisory effective from 10 PM tonight to 4 AM Tuesday. Snow levels are expected to drop to around 3,000 feet, with accumulation ranging from 5 to 12 inches, and potentially exceeding two feet at higher elevations. For the Valley, rainfall is anticipated to be on the lighter side, contrasting with the recent heavier storm.
Looking ahead, a return to dry weather is forecast for midweek as upper-level ridging develops, potentially leading to warmer days with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. However, the building ridge could also lay the groundwork for morning fog and cooler temperatures. Beyond this, models are split on the weekend's outlook. The ECMWF and the National Blend of Models, as reported by the National Weather Service, diverge on when they expect the next weather system to arrive, but early signs indicate another fast-moving system is on the horizon.
In aviation news, the National Weather Service alerts of "MVFR/IFR and areas of LIFR as areas of BR and FG return at Valley TAF sites." Pilots can expect reduced visibility through the morning with conditions improving by 20z today and northerly winds remaining gentle below 12 knots. Travelers and commuters are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as these weather systems move through the region.
