SACRAMENTO, Calif —
ABC10's weather forecast shows a new storm 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 4,500-5,000 foot range and travel impacts are expected for this time period. A Winter Weather Advisory 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 morning
Fog is expected to develop in the Central Valley once again as the storm nears California’s shores. Low temperatures Tuesday will be in the low to mid-40s, but temperatures will steadily rise into the mid to upper 50s by the afternoon.
Cloud cover will increase ahead of the system and winds will be 5-10 mph in the morning before picking up in the afternoon.
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 after 6 p.m.
The main band of rain should impact Northern California Tuesday night and go into the early morning hours Wednesday.
Snow is expected to begin in the Sierra after 10 p.m., continuing through the overnight hours. Snow levels should start around 5,000 feet and will lower to around 4,500 feet by Wednesday.
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Wednesday morning
By Wednesday morning, expect shower activity to be less organized and more scattered. Periods of heavy snow should continue during this period in the Sierra.
Wednesday evening
Showers should continue on and off, mainly before 4 p.m. before the storm shifts south. In total, valley locations are expected to receive 0.5-1" of rain through Wednesday.
Snow totals should range from 6-12" above 5,000 feet with upwards of 18" possible in higher elevations. Travel delays and chain controls are possible due to the snow-covered, slippery roads.
Thursday and beyond
Dry conditions are expected Thursday but more wet weather is on the way by Friday. Another cold winter storm is on tap beginning Friday and lasting through much of the weekend. Snow levels will be low again, dropping to as low as 3,500 feet by Sunday. This next event will be drier in the valley with only 0.25-0.50" expected, but snowier in the mountains with 1-2 feet of snow possible.
High temperatures will be on the chilly side with low 50s expected across the valley and 30s in the Sierra.
