Residents across the Sacramento region should soak up the sun while they can, because the dry weather will make way for a series of storms from Friday on into next week. The weather shift will introduce moderate to heavy rain, mountain snow, as well as noticeable breezy southerly winds—basically quite the departure from the calm conditions we're experiencing today, according to the National Weather Service.
The Sacramento Valley should brace for "active weather" starting late tonight into early Friday morning. "Areas of dense fog are possible, which could cause travel delays for the morning commute," the National Weather Service Sacramento warns, indicating a potential squeeze during our beloved rush hours. The fog is anticipated to incrementally lift as the morning progresses, revealing what will likely be the final glimpses of blue sky for a stretch.
Once the switch is flipped, the region is in for an extended soggy dance. Snow levels in the Sierra are expected to kick off around 5000 feet Friday morning, climbing to elevations between 6000-7000 feet by nighttime. Notably, locales situated at higher elevations, such as those around Donner Summit, may see snow accumulation surpassing 2 feet over the weekend, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Rainfall will, of course, make its mark across the Sacramento metro area and other spots south of I-80. "Moderate to heavy rain will bring rises in area streams and rivers," the National Weather Service discussion also reads. Though initial impacts might be softened by the previous dry stretch this preamble suggests that commuters should prepare for the inevitable rains to play havoc with low-lying streets and our urban tangle of roads.
Looking further into next week, an even colder storm is on the horizon—one that could significantly disrupt mountain travel come Monday. In the forests and high elevation communities, there's a staggering "80 to 95 percent probability" of seeing 12 inches or more of snow. As for the lower elevations, keep the umbrella close, and perhaps consider an alternate route if you live near a stream or river, as noted by the National Weather Service.
In the midst of these wet and wild prospects, ensure you keep an eye on forecasts as "small fluctuations in snow levels could bring big changes in impacts at pass levels." Residents and travelers alike should remain vigilant and prepared for the watery times ahead. For aviation enthusiasts or those planning to jet off soon, expect mostly VFR conditions until roughly 19z today, as per the National Weather Service.
