SACRAMENTO, Calif —
A new storm is moving into the northern parts of California Tuesday night. A colder storm will follow a few days later.
These storms will differ from the warm December storms that did little in terms of producing meaningful snowfall.
Snow levels for the Tuesday/Wednesday system will be in the 4,000-5,000 foot range and travel impacts are expected for this time period. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra through 4 a.m. Thursday.
Here’s a timeline of what can be expected as the first storm systems of 2024 impact Northern California.
Tuesday evening
The first rain showers will push into the Northern Sacramento Valley in the late afternoon around sunset. Further south, towards the Sacramento area, expect rain to begin around 4 p.m.
The main band of rain should impact Northern California Tuesday night and go into the early morning hours Wednesday. The heaviest rain will occur from 4-9 p.m. in the Sacramento area.
Snow is expected to begin in the Sierra around the same time, continuing through the overnight hours. Snow levels should start around 5,000 feet and will lower to around 4,000 feet by Wednesday.
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Wednesday Morning
By Wednesday morning, expect shower activity to be less organized and more scattered. Periods of snow should continue during this period in the Sierra but the heaviest is expected from 9 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Wednesday Evening
By Wednesday afternoon, most of the storm activity will be out of the area as the storm shifts south. In total, valley locations are expected to receive 0.50-1" of rain through Wednesday and snow totals will range from 10-18" with two feet possible in the higher elevations.
Thursday and Beyond
Dry conditions are expected Thursday but more wet weather is on the way by late Friday. Another cold winter storm is on tap beginning Friday and lasting through most of Saturday. Snow levels will be low again, dropping to as low as 3,000 feet by Sunday. This next event will be drier in the valley with only 0.10-0.25" expected. Snow totals have trended down as the system appears to be more moisture starved than originally thought.
High temperatures will be on the chilly side with low 50s expected across the valley and 30s in the Sierra.
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