SACRAMENTO, Calif —
Thursday marks the last day of an extended run of above-average temperatures for Northern California as a cooler, wetter pattern moves into the region, lasting through the extended forecast.
High temperatures will rise into the lower 70s in the valley Thursday. Temperatures have been on a downward trend since Tuesday due to the ridge of high pressure breaking down and moving east. Further evidence that a regime change is unfolding will be increasing cloud cover Thursday evening as the low-pressure system draws closer to the coast.
Friday will start off dry, but a passing cold front will bring rain and snow to interior Northern California by Friday afternoon. Rain is forecast to begin in the Sacramento area around 5 p.m. with the heaviest of it falling between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Saturday morning will see scattered showers before the rain picks up in intensity Saturday afternoon.
Thunderstorms are possible Friday and Saturday but the higher chance is Saturday thanks to more unstable air being in place behind the cold front.
The storm will begin to clear out Sunday but lingering snow showers are expected in the Sierra. Monday and Tuesday will be dry before more wet weather moves in Wednesday.
Rain totals through Sunday morning will range from 0.5-1.0” in the valley and totals will increase towards the foothills where 1-4" is expected through Sunday.
Around 1-2 feet of snow is expected above 5,000 feet with locally higher amounts. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra from 6 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday. Snow levels will begin around 6,500-7,000 feet before lowering to 3,500 feet by Sunday morning.
Allergy sufferers will be pleased to know the incoming rain will help to knock down pollen this weekend after a week of high pollen counts.
Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60s in the valley Friday before dropping into the mid to upper 50s by Saturday. For reference, the average high temperature in Sacramento for this time of year is 68 degrees.
Two more storm systems are anticipated next week but details are still uncertain. Wet weather will stick around through at least the end of March and potentially into early April, according to the Climate Prediction Center.