Sacramento

From Chains To Sunglasses: Sierra Snow Fades As Sacramento Heats Into The 80s

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Published on April 02, 2026
From Chains To Sunglasses: Sierra Snow Fades As Sacramento Heats Into The 80sSource: Google Street View

Sacramento woke up to clear, cool skies on Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, with temperatures hovering around 45°F. After a round of scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms overnight, the valley is drying out and sunshine is set to make a comeback by afternoon.

Thursday Snapshot

Plan on mostly sunny skies and a high near 64°F, with a light west-northwest breeze around 3–10 mph through the day, then cooler and a bit breezier Thursday night. River corridors and low-lying neighborhoods may hang on to colder air a few degrees below the city readings, so early commuters will want a jacket for the morning start.

Sierra Snow And Travel

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8 AM PDT Thursday, April 2, for the western slopes of the northern Sierra above about 6,000 feet, with on-and-off snow expected overnight and the potential for slick patches on mountain roads. According to the National Weather Service, drivers should be ready for reduced visibility and possible chain controls on major routes such as I-80 and US-50 and are urged to check road conditions before heading into the mountains.

Weekend Warmup

Temperatures climb quickly after Friday, with a high near 76°F to close out the workweek and low-to-mid 80s on tap for both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is expected to top out near 84°F, setting up a warm, dry stretch that should cooperate with most outdoor plans. For more context on this quick warm-up, see our March 29 warm-up preview.

Plan Ahead

Layer up for the cool mornings, then be ready to shed a few as the thermometer jumps in the afternoon; sunscreen and hats will come in handy as the sun sticks around. Pets and outdoor workers should pace themselves, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated. If your weekend plans include a mountain run, carry chains, be prepared for slushy roadway conditions during the advisory period, and check Caltrans QuickMap or CHP updates before you go.