Gray skies refused to budge over much of Northern California on Monday, with a stubborn marine layer keeping the lid on temperatures and leaving valley communities cooler than late February usually feels. At the same time, forecasters warned that rising water along the upper Sacramento River could bring localized flooding near Ord Ferry if gauges keep ticking upward.
Meteorologist Scott Elnes led the morning weather briefing, flagging the unbroken cloud deck and a few light, hit‑or‑miss showers across the north state, according to Action News Now. That same update pointed out river guidance that has emergency managers keeping a close eye on low‑lying stretches of roadway along the Sacramento River.
Cloudy morning, mild afternoon
The cool, damp feel lined up with the official forecast. According to the National Weather Service, Chico started Monday in the upper 50s, with a slow climb expected into the low to mid 60s by midafternoon. The hourly outlook called for about 59°F at 10 a.m., nudging to 60°F by 11 a.m., then gradually easing into the mid 60s later in the day as clouds reluctantly thinned.
Flood warning near Ord Ferry
River guidance from the California Nevada River Forecast Center shows a flood warning in effect for the Sacramento River at Ord Ferry, affecting parts of Glenn and Butte counties. The guidance pegs the official flood stage at 114.0 feet and notes that overflow can begin around 113.8 feet, a level that can send water spilling into the Butte Basin and force closures on Ord Ferry Road along with portions of River Road.
What residents should know
Local officials and forecasters are urging residents to steer clear of low river roads and to respect barricades and cones. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the National Weather Service emphasized in its flood statement, warning drivers to expect short‑notice shutdowns in Glenn and Butte counties as conditions change.
For now, residents are being asked to monitor local public‑safety channels and NWS river products for updated river stage forecasts. Forecasters say the gray lid over the region should start to loosen in the coming days, but how far the Sacramento River rises on recent runoff will decide whether there are additional impacts along its banks.
