Update: Friday Night
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- It's the first winter storm of the season and it arrives this weekend. After weeks and weeks of above-average temperatures in Northern California, we are set to have a big shift in the weather beginning Friday.
This huge change in our weather pattern is all thanks to a low-pressure system and we've already started to feel and see the effects of our next weather maker. Just take a look at the 24-hour temperature change at 9 p.m. Friday night versus 9 p.m. Thursday night.
Cooler than average temperatures are expected through the weekend and into next week.
This surge of colder air will be followed by a chance of rain and snowfall over the weekend. Now, rainfall amounts for the Central Valley don't look overly impressive, but when you talk about the chance for snowfall that's a completely different story.
Snowfall amounts could reach up to 20 inches for some of the hardest-hit spots. These are some pretty impressive storm totals for the first storm of the season.
Because of these projected snowfall amounts the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 4 p.m. Saturday - 4 p.m. Sunday.
Areas above 4000 feet are expected to pick up the brunt of the snowfall. Travel delays along with slick roads are expected over the course of the weekend.
If you are traveling to the Sierra Nevada over the weekend, be aware three mountain passes are closed: SR-4/Ebbetts, SR-108/Sonora, and SR-120/Tioga.
Update: Friday Morning
The California rainy season began on October 1st but for most locations, we have not recorded any rain.
This will all change on Friday as a series of storms are set to blanket the northern part of the state with cooler temperatures, rain, wind and snow.
The first storm of the season will bring strong winds overnight to the Sierra and dry conditions on Friday will bring a fire risk for the east side of the Sierra from Friday morning into the afternoon. The strongest gusts will approach 50mph.
For the rest of the area, winds will pick up and become breezy all day Friday.
The temperatures will tank from area highs near 80 on Thursday to the low 60s on Friday where they will remain through the weekend.
Rain will be spotty and light for the lower elevations in the morning but rain will quickly switch to snow for the Sierra. Rain is expected to be mostly less than a quarter-inch in the foothills, and less than a tenth for the Valley. Some valley locations will only see clouds.
Initial snow levels on Friday morning will be near 8,000 ft and above most passes but by the
Early afternoon the snow will drop below the passes and as low as 4-5,000 ft by Friday night. Light snow could even drop to 3,000 ft by Saturday morning.
There will be enough snow over the mountain passes for slow drives and chain controls. Some higher passes Like highway 120 through Yosemite and Tioga pass will close late Thursday in advance of the storm. If there is enough snow it may close for the season.
Another round of light rain and snow will come through Sunday and cooler weather will remain.
Some passes will get 6-10” of snow and local amounts will be higher.
This is the first storm of the season for Northern California and driving is likely the biggest impact with slick roads and winter conditions in the mountains, be advised.
The California Department of Public Health reported a rise in coronavirus cases for multiple counties.
