The seasonably warm weather in Sacramento is expected to last for a little while longer. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the city will continue to experience clear skies and highs in the 70s for the time being. However, by the weekend, cooler temperatures and the potential for rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop.
Thursday is expected to be the warmest day, with temperatures potentially reaching the 80s in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The NWS has forecast a shift in conditions, with an approaching trough moving southward, leading to a cooling trend starting on Friday. Highs for Friday are expected to be in the lower to mid 70s at lower elevations and in the 60s at higher elevations. By Saturday afternoon, temperatures are forecast to drop to the low to mid 60s at lower elevations and the 50s at higher elevations.
Precipitation is expected to begin on Sunday, with snow levels initially forecast to range from 5000 to 6000 feet, then dropping to 4000 to 5000 feet by Monday. While the forecast is subject to change, the probability of significant rainfall and snowfall is estimated at 10 to 30 percent in the Valley and 40 to 70 percent in the Shasta County mountains and Sierra/southern Cascades. Lower elevations may experience lighter accumulation, while higher elevations could receive more than 8 inches of snow.
The weather pattern is expected to remain active into next week, with ensemble guidance indicating that more shortwaves may impact the western United States. While the details remain uncertain, Sacramento should prepare for a period of wetter weather as we move into March. The National Weather Service also notes that an extended stretch of wet conditions is likely at the beginning of March.
The NWS forecasts VFR conditions to prevail over the next 24 hours across interior Northern California. Minor visibility issues may occur due to valley mist south of the Interstate 80 corridor, with a potential brief reduction to MVFR in the early morning. Light winds are expected, with slightly stronger gusts along higher terrain. Pilots are advised to monitor conditions, as flying is expected to be generally smooth.
