Sacramento saw patchy fog on Monday morning, reducing visibility in river corridors and low-lying areas, with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. The fog should clear by mid-morning, leading to mostly cloudy skies and a high near 63°F, with breezy north-northwest winds later in the day, and drivers are advised to allow extra commute time.
Foggy Commute
The murkiest conditions are expected before about 9 a.m. across the Delta, the Sacramento Valley and parts of the northern San Joaquin Valley. Some river corridors could see dense pockets of fog that sharply cut visibility. This is a low-beam, slow-it-down, leave-extra-space kind of morning, especially on I-5, U.S. 50 and along riverside routes. Transit services may run a bit behind during the foggy window, so plan accordingly.
Storm Arrives Tuesday Into Wednesday
A stronger Pacific storm arrives on Tuesday, bringing rain and possible thunderstorms on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Rain is most likely between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday with a high near 58°F, and any storms could bring brief heavy downpours, slick roads, and reduced visibility, with most valley areas seeing about a quarter to a half inch of rain and locally higher amounts in thunderstorms.
Mountain Snow And Travel Impacts
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the northern Sierra and southern Cascades above about 5,000 feet from 10 p.m. Monday, February 9, through 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 11. Snow levels will start near 5,000 to 6,000 feet Tuesday, then fall toward roughly 4,500 feet Wednesday, with 4 to 10 inches possible above 5,000 feet and higher amounts on the peaks. Travelers should brace for delays and possible chain controls on I-80 and U.S. 50, carry chains and check road restrictions before heading into the mountains via Caltrans. Highway crews will be out during the heaviest snow, and higher-elevation trips could require extra time or even a change of plans.
Plan Ahead
If you are heading for the mountains this week, consider postponing travel until the snow eases, or go prepared with chains, warm clothing and a full tank of gas. In the valley, brief thunderstorms could quickly make roads slick and cut visibility, so ease off the gas and increase following distance. Check weather and road conditions before driving into higher terrain, and be ready for conditions to change from Tuesday into Wednesday.
