Sacramento starts Sunday on the quiet side, with clear skies overhead, temperatures near 45°F at Sacramento Executive Airport, and patchy fog pooling in some of the lower-lying neighborhoods before sunrise. That fog should thin by mid-morning and open the door for highs in the upper 60s - look for around 67°F this afternoon with light south winds keeping things comfortably mellow. It is a great window to enjoy a mild afternoon before a very different pattern rolls in later this week.
Morning Fog, Sunny Afternoons
The patchy fog will be most stubborn along river corridors and in the lowest neighborhoods, where visibility can briefly tank on surface streets and bridges. By late morning, the murk should burn off and hand things over to partly to mostly sunny skies, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-60s. If you are out early, stick with low beams, slow it down, and build in a little extra time for the morning drive.
Rain, Thunderstorms And Sierra Snow Tuesday
A stronger storm is set to move in on Tuesday, February 10, bringing a solid chance of showers, a few isolated thunderstorms, and noticeably cooler daytime highs in the mid-50s. According to National Weather Service Sacramento, a Winter Weather Advisory is posted for the northern Sierra and Lassen Park from 10 p.m. Monday, February 9, through 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 11. Snow levels are expected to drop from roughly 5,000 to 6,000 feet down toward 4,500 feet, with 4 to 10 inches likely above 5,000 feet and locally higher totals on the peaks. The heaviest mountain snow is expected Tuesday into Tuesday evening and could trigger chain controls and delays on I-80 and U.S. 50.
Commuter Tips And Road Safety
Sunday’s fog may slow some local surface commutes, while Tuesday’s showers and thunderstorms could make the evening drive slick and sloppy. If you are planning a Sierra trip between Monday night and Wednesday, expect chain controls and slow-moving traffic. Check live conditions on Caltrans QuickMap before you head out. Pack traction devices or chains, give yourself plenty of extra time, and think about postponing nonessential mountain travel if the weather really starts to deteriorate.
Bottom Line
Enjoy a mild, mostly sunny Sunday while you have it, but plan on a turn toward active weather this week. Tuesday’s system brings valley rain and mountain snow that could tangle up mountain travel and slow commutes. This forecast will shift in the days ahead, so keep an eye on the latest updates from the National Weather Service and Caltrans before you hit the road.
