The blue sky over Sacramento this afternoon is a bit of a fake-out. It is a brisk 36°F at Sacramento International, and a wet, gusty system is lining up to roll in later today and stick around through Thursday. Showers are expected to ramp up Wednesday afternoon, turn steadier at night, and keep highs stuck in the upper 40s. Plan on slick roads, slower commutes, and enough wind to shove around anything you did not bother to tie down.
Afternoon Into Night
Light rain could start after about 1 p.m. Wednesday, with steadier rain likely Wednesday night and new rainfall amounts of roughly one quarter to one half inch possible. Temperatures should top out near 48°F early in the day, then slide through the afternoon and into the evening, according to National Weather Service Sacramento.
Winds And Commute Tips
A Wind Advisory for the Sacramento Valley is in effect through 10 p.m. Thursday, with valley gusts forecast in the 35 to 45 mph range and a brief lull expected around midday Wednesday. Secure patio furniture and trash cans, slow down on wet pavement, and take extra care if you are driving a high-profile vehicle on exposed freeway stretches. As reported in stronger gusts late Wednesday into Thursday, the wind could be enough to knock down scattered tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages.
Mountain Travel And Snow
The Sierra and nearby foothills remain under Winter Storm Warnings through Thursday night. Heavy mountain snow and lowering snow levels will make passes hazardous and could even bring brief low-elevation snow in some spots. If you have to head into the mountains, expect chain controls, slower travel, and occasional whiteout conditions, according to National Weather Service Sacramento.
Where To Go For Help
The city and county have opened walk-in storm respite sites for people without stable housing, and limited transit assistance is available while those centers operate. Callers are urged to check 2-1-1 for the latest locations and hours. For a local summary of open sites and other city-level updates, see this city storm roundup.
