Sacramento Region Heads into a Turbulent Weather Week with Incoming Storms and Heavy Mountain Snow

As predicted by the National Weather Service Sacramento, the Sacramento region is bracing for a mix of calm and stormy weather this week. On Monday and Tuesday, the Valley sees afternoon highs in the 50s, while the mountains and foothills remain cooler. However, a major change is ahead.

Residents should prepare for the pattern change starting Wednesday when the region anticipates showers, breezy conditions, and areas to the south of Interstate 80 expecting up to a quarter inch of rain. The National Weather Service notes, "The cold air remains in place on Wednesday, keeping snow levels 500 to 1500 feet across the Northern Sac. Valley and down to 1000-2500 feet over the Sierra and adjacent foothills areas." Relatively minor travel impacts are expected during this initial phase of the weather system.

The latter half of the week paints a more intense scene. "By Wednesday night, precipitation rates will increase and we move into periods of moderate to heavy rain and mountain snow with gusty winds through the end of the work week," according to the National Weather Service. The forecast points to moderate to major travel implications as the week progresses, especially over mountain passes where impressive snowfall totals are anticipated, challenging the plans of those launching into the weekend exodus.

By Thursday, snow levels will rise, but the forecast promises no respite, bringing 1 to 4 feet of snow above 5000 feet for the northern Sierra and southern Cascades. The National Weather Service warns of major mountain travel difficulties, an unfortunate alliance with the descending heavy snow and “gust up to 40-45 MPH possible across much of the Valley and up to 50-60 MPH over the Sierra crest.” Citizens pondering their holiday weekend ventures should monitor the forecast and plan accordingly for potential power outages and travel disruptions.

In terms of aviation, "VFR conditions continue across interior NorCal over the next 24 hours," as reported by the National Weather Service. Northerly winds, however, are blowing through the Sacramento Valley at 25 to 30 knots and are expected to persist until the early evening, before abating into calmer skies prior to the anticipated weather system taking full effect.