Wednesday, April 8 is starting off calm and comfortable in Sacramento, with clear skies and about 52°F at Sacramento Executive Airport. That cool morning will not last long. Temperatures are set to race up toward a warm high near 83°F this afternoon. South-southwest winds stay on the lighter side at roughly 1 to 7 mph, with a Delta breeze that could gust into the teens near the river and Delta. If you are planning to be outside, bank on sunshine and heat and try to schedule the heavier lifting for early morning or later in the evening.
Afternoon Heat And Local Tips
Older adults, young children and anyone working outside should stick to the basics: drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade and skip long stretches of hard work during the midday peak. Cooling centers and other heat-safety resources are available through the county. You can call 2-1-1 or visit the Sacramento County website for current locations and hours.
Late-Week Storms And Mountain Snow
The weather script flips on Thursday, April 9, as a cooler, unsettled pattern moves in. Showers and thunderstorms become possible late Thursday, with storm chances ramping up Friday, April 10, and lingering showers hanging around into the weekend. Any thunderstorms could bring lightning, brief heavy downpours, hail and gusty winds, with the northern Valley and nearby foothills most favored for stronger cells.
Up high, mountain snow becomes more likely as snow levels drop. Forecasters currently see about a 50% chance of 6 or more inches of snow above 6,000 feet from Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12. There are no watches or warnings in effect this morning. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the National Weather Service Sacramento.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor events lined up from Thursday through Saturday, have a backup plan ready and keep an eye on radar as storms approach. Short bursts of heavy rain can quickly lead to minor street flooding in the usual trouble spots. Heading for the Sierra or crossing the passes this weekend means dealing with wet roads and the possibility of snow at higher elevations. After the system moves through, expect cooler, more seasonable highs on Friday and Saturday.
