Sacramento started Thursday on a calm note, with clear skies and temperatures near 55°F at the city’s observation site. That quiet vibe will not stick around for long. Highs are expected to top out near 76°F on Thursday, April 9, with a slight chance of late-afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms. Then a stronger system moves in late Friday into the weekend, bringing more widespread rain and a solid shot of mountain snow.
Afternoon Thunderstorm Chance
Thursday kicks off mostly sunny, but after about 4 p.m. the atmosphere gets a little feistier. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms developing late in the day. Any stronger cells that do pop up could bring brief heavy downpours, small hail, gusty winds and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, which may tangle the evening commute and toss a wrench into outdoor plans.
If storms approach, keep an umbrella within reach, be ready to slow down on wet pavement, and avoid standing under trees when lightning is nearby.
Weekend Sierra Snow And Wind
A more organized system arrives late Friday, April 10, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more widespread from Friday into Saturday and lingering into Sunday. A Winter Storm Watch is posted from Friday evening through Sunday evening for the West Slope of the northern Sierra and western Plumas County.
Forecasters are calling for 1–2 feet of snow above 4,500 feet, with as much as 3–4 feet on the highest peaks as snow levels fall toward roughly 4,000–4,500 feet by late Saturday into Sunday. Mountain travel will likely be difficult during the heaviest snowfall, and winds could gust up to 45 mph over ridgetops and along some valley approaches, according to NWS Sacramento.
Local Impacts And Tips
Down in the Sacramento Valley, expect cooler highs on Friday along with scattered showers or thunderstorms. Heavier cells could lead to slick roads, ponding of water and brief flooding in low spots.
Before gusty southerly winds arrive on Saturday, secure loose outdoor items, and give large vehicles extra space on wet roads. If you have mountain travel on the calendar, plan ahead by checking chain requirements and any road closures.
For a refresher on local shelter and warming-center options used during earlier storms, see coverage of rain, wind and Sierra snow poised to pummel the Sacramento area.
Where To Get Updates
Keep an eye on official forecasts and warnings before hitting the road, especially if you are heading into higher terrain. Conditions can change quickly between the valley floor and the Sierra.
Make sure phone batteries are charged, ease off the gas pedal in heavy rain, and avoid nonessential trips to higher elevations while the Winter Storm Watch remains in effect.
