SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Last week's hot weather is a thing of the past and the first day of May is feeling more like the first day of March in Northern California.
The high pressure system that was overhead for much of last week and into the weekend has progressed east, supplying warm temperatures for the central U.S. while California is seeing a major cooldown.
The changing of patterns was noticeable on Sunday night due to the presence of gusty winds and cooling temperatures as the low pressure system edged closer. The jet stream continues to be very amplified, leading to the fairly drastic temperature swings seen in California lately.
The high temperature on Monday is expected to be in the low to mid 60s in the valley.
Just a few days ago, the hottest temperatures of the year so far were recorded in downtown Sacramento, where the temperature peaked at 93 on Thursday.
60s and a low 70s are expected for the rest of the week in the valley, while the foothills can expect upper 50s and 60s, and 40s and 50s for the Sierra.
Rain and snow chances have returned to the region, particularly in the mountains and foothills. The best chances for rain in the valley is on Tuesday, but accumulation will be light in areas that do see scattered showers. Expect no more than 0.25" of rain in the valley this week, but the foothills could see up to an inch of rain.
A few thunderstorms may pop up this week in the afternoon hours in interior Northern California, which is also bringing the threat of gusty winds, brief downpours, hail, and lightning.
Snow is far more of a certainty than rain is in the valley. Snow levels will be relatively low for this late in the year at around 5,000-6,000 feet. As for amounts, up to a foot of wet snow can be expected in the Sierra.
Mostly cloudy conditions will persist through most of the work week as well before things begin to open up a bit on Friday.
WATCH ALSO:
