Sacramento woke up to clear skies and a crisp 52°F at Sacramento Executive Airport on Thursday, with the kind of cool start that feels great now and slightly suspicious if you know what is coming. Sunshine will drive afternoon highs into the upper 70s while north-northwest winds ramp up ahead of the evening. High pressure builds back in over the weekend, which should nudge valley temperatures into the low to mid 80s.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those north-northwest winds will not stay gentle for long. By Thursday afternoon, speeds are expected to run about 6 to 14 mph, with gusts into the 20s around the metro. Forecasters say the strongest blasts could hit 20 to 40 mph in parts of the Sacramento Valley and nearby higher terrain, especially along and west of Interstate 5, so it is a good time to secure loose outdoor items and stay alert for crosswinds on bridges. That guidance comes from the National Weather Service Sacramento.
Weekend Heat
From Friday through Sunday, high pressure will take over, dialing in a warmer setup: around 82°F Friday, about 84°F Saturday, and near 86°F on Sunday, along with a renewed, localized Minor HeatRisk in spots that heat up fastest. This pattern lines up with earlier coverage from March 11; see our heat safety basics and cooling options for a refresher. If you are planning time outside, lean toward mornings and evenings when temperatures are more forgiving.
Rain Returns Next Week
A shift arrives late Monday, March 30, with a slight chance of rain after 5 p.m., then a better shot at showers Tuesday, March 31, lingering into Wednesday, April 1. The first round of light rain looks most likely for the foothills and mountains, but valley residents should be ready for cooler, wetter weather early next week. Forecasters updated the timing on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Sacramento.
What To Do
Try to schedule outdoor work and exercise for the cooler parts of the day, tie down patio furniture and other lightweight items, and treat cold local waterways with extra caution if you are boating this weekend. If the heat becomes an issue, call 2-1-1 for cooling-center information and free SacRT rides to respite sites, and double-check event pages before heading out when winds are gusty.
