Key Highlights
- Northern California is expecting a cold start on Saturday with frost warnings.
- A Cold Weather Advisory is in place for the Sierra and adjacent foothills until 10:00 am due to temperatures dropping into single digits, possibly -5°F.
- Monday night through Tuesday will bring significant rain, impacting morning commutes.
- The next storm system on Wednesday will bring a mix of showers in Foothills and Sierra while the Valley dries out.
Saturday’s Cold Snap
It’s shaping up to be another chilly Saturday. Stockton has already logged 11.8 inches of rain, hitting 134% of its normal levels for this time of year. Sacramento’s doing slightly better with 12.5 inches, which is over 100% of the norm.
Modesto isn’t far behind at 10.9 inches, reaching 137% of what is typical here.
With a high of just 35°F in Sacramento, it’s a reminder that winter is on its way. The cold weather advisory for areas shaded light blue means you might want to think twice about driving early. The relative humidity at 92%, coupled with the wind chill factor, makes it feel even colder.
Monday Night Through Tuesday: A Wet Commute
The big news is the storm rolling in on Monday night through Tuesday. Expect steady rain, making for a wet morning commute. Sacramento’s hitting mid-60s on Sunday with partly cloudy skies, but it’s going to get wetter and more chaotic by Tuesday.
Be prepared for some lingering showers into Wednesday as the Valley dries out.
This system will be significantly warmer than last time, avoiding snow levels that were seen previously. Instead, expect rain on top of any leftover snow in higher terrains above 7,000 feet.
Thursday and Friday: Drier and Warmer
By Thursday and Friday, the region is set to dry out with warmer temperatures. The forecast calls for upper 60s and even low 70s by Friday. It’s a welcome change after what has been a wet start.
The next system tries to move in early next week, creating another potential impact day. But for now, the focus is on getting through Tuesday with as much caution as possible.
Final Thoughts
Northern California is not out of the woods yet. This weekend’s cold snap and impending rain could pose challenges. Whether you’re in Stockton, Sacramento, or anywhere else in the region, be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
