Sacramento gets one more dose of classic spring sunshine before the weekend mood shifts. Clear skies this morning are setting up a warm, mostly sunny Friday, April 24, with a high near 73°F and an overnight low near 50°F. Early readings at Sacramento Executive Airport were in the low 50s with a light south-southeast breeze, pointing to a comfortable afternoon for anyone with outdoor plans. Enjoy it while you can, because the valley is expected to be the driest spot this weekend as the foothills and Sierra turn cooler and more unsettled.
Weekend Shower Chances Shift To The Sierra
Light mountain showers and a chance for isolated thunderstorms are on tap Friday afternoon and are expected to linger into early next week, with the best odds for thunderstorms on Sunday, April 26. Down in the valley, residents should feel little more than a cool breeze and see mostly dry skies, while higher terrain could pick up measurable rain and anything from a dusting to a few inches of snow at the highest elevations. The outlook, from the National Weather Service Sacramento, notes that impacts across most valley neighborhoods should stay limited.
Afternoon Winds And Travel Tips
South to south-southwest winds stay light in the valley Friday but will ramp up across the foothills and mountains, with gusts up to 18 mph possible in exposed spots on Saturday and Saturday night. If your weekend plans involve a Sierra drive, be ready for sudden downpours, brief lightning and slower travel, any of which can trigger chain controls over the higher passes. Before you hit the road, check mountain conditions through Caltrans QuickMap.
Plan Ahead
Temperatures are expected to rebound early next week, with highs returning to the low to mid 70s by Monday and climbing into the mid to upper 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. For hourly updates, watches or any sudden changes to the forecast, keep an eye on the National Weather Service and local road resources before you travel. Stay weather-aware if you are heading into the hills this weekend, and soak up the sunny, mild afternoon in the valley while you still have it.
