SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A weak storm will clip Northern California this weekend, similar to the storm system that hit last Friday before a larger system moved in later in the weekend.
This system won't be followed up by another system, however. Minimal rain, periods of snow, and gusty winds will be the main factors in this event. High pressure sits overhead in the meantime, and temperatures in the mid 60s are being observed across the Valley on Thursday afternoon under sunny skies.
Light showers could begin as early as Friday evening across the Central Valley. Slim rain chances will continue in the valley throughout Saturday morning with model rainfall amounts in agreement that 0 - 0.10" is the likely range of rainfall.
Although rain is very much a tossup in the Valley, mountain snow is likely. Periods of light to moderate snowfall are expected above 4,000 feet. Totals likely will range from 1" to 6" in most areas so travel impacts across the Sierra should remain relatively unaffected although travel delays and slick roads are still very much possible.
In the wake of the storm, gusty winds will develop as the system heads towards Southern California, lasting through Monday. North winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40 mph are expected, with the heaviest winds being in the Western Sacramento Valley and across the Sierra. The Sierra will likely see gusts north of 50 mph.
Colder than average temperatures are expected to stick around for the next two weeks, according to the Climate Prediction Center. There still aren't any major storms in the forecast following a historically wet January. The statewide snowpack still sits at 197% of average to date, but a few more storms before the summer sets in would be a welcome sight as California tries to officially break from drought.
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