SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Summer is shaping up to deliver a wide range of weather elements from the more expected extreme heat and fire to the more unexpected: rain and even Sierra snow.
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A significant pattern change is taking shape in the Pacific with a cold upper level low gaining steam and set to move into Northern California by the end of the week. This will bring much cooler weather along with a chance of showers, thunderstorms and even Sierra snow.
Ahead of this fall-like weather, the valley will have some gusty winds. ABC10 will be tracking the higher fire danger in the Sierra with wind being a high risk trigger. Valley gusts will be closer to 20-25 mph.
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This is an unusual weather system for Northern California at this time of year.
The storm track will be right along I-80 which will favor more unsettled weather just to the north of the interstate. The central and northern Sacramento Valley has a better chance of showers, thunderstorms with lightning and even small hail. The lightning will also pose a fire risk at this point of the year after several months without significant wetting rain.
The dip in the storm track will also open the door for colder air to move into the northern part of state. The coolest weather will be present on Friday into early Saturday. Sierra lows will drop into the 20s and 30s. Snow levels will start around 8,400 feet on Friday afternoon and then drop to near 8,100 feet early Saturday.
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Limited accumulation is forecasted, but this weather pattern will certainly be giving all the fall feels. Ski resort openings are less than 100 days away!
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