SACRAMENTO, Calif —
A chilly winter storm system passed through Northern California on Saturday, supplying more beneficial rain and snow to the region.
The state is still running a deficit in both departments. As of Jan. 11, the statewide snowpack was only at 42% of average but that number should rise this week with more wet weather on the way and once the recent storm is factored in. Sacramento is 1.78" below average so far this water year (since Oct. 1).
Temperatures struggled to get out of the 40s across the valley on Saturday as rain fell throughout the day. The high temperature in Sacramento was a crisp 48 degrees, well below the average of 55 degrees.
Rain totals generally ranged from 0.1-0.5” in the valley, with the highest totals in areas closer to the foothills. Totals in the foothills ranged from 0.5-1.5".
Sugar Bowl led the way in terms of snowfall, picking up 18" of snow on Saturday. Totals ranged from 2-18" in the Sierra with lower elevations experiencing a mix of rain and snow, lessening total accumulation. The snow lab received 9.6", pushing the season total to 81.69".
Sunday will be the start of a brief break in wet weather for Northern California. Temperatures will rise into the mid-50s under partly cloudy skies.
Fog is expected to develop in portions of the valley on Monday and Tuesday morning as high pressure builds in overhead. High temperatures will dip back below average as the next storm system closes in and highs will be in the low 50s in the valley on Tuesday.
Another round of rain and snow is on the way late Tuesday and into Wednesday. Expect rain to begin in the valley after sunset with showers lasting into Wednesday morning. Thursday will be dry before more wet weather moves in on Friday.
Although the details are yet to be ironed out, expect a wet weekend. Rain is possible every day beginning Friday, and lasting through Tuesday.
This upcoming cycle of wet weather is expected to be much warmer than previous storms and snow levels will be on the higher side. The Climate Prediction Center favors much warmer and wetter conditions than normal during this period.
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