NorCal Braces for Major Soaking: Weekend Lull Before Next Week's Deluge

Alright, let's talk weather for Northern California, because things are about to get pretty interesting, especially as we head into next week. First, for today, Friday, you might catch a few scattered sprinkles here and there, mostly north of Sacramento. It's nothing too dramatic, mind you, and most of that activity should clear out by the late afternoon or early evening. Sacramento itself only has a slight chance of light rain, so many of us will probably stay dry.

Now, for the weekend, it's actually looking quite pleasant – a bit of a calm before the storm, if you will. We're expecting clear skies and a welcome return to some warmer temperatures. Think highs comfortably in the 70s for the Sacramento Valley, and those of us in the foothills will enjoy the 60s. Even the mountains will be absolutely lovely, perfect for a bit of early spring outdoor activity. It’s a good opportunity to get any outdoor chores done, or just enjoy the sunshine, because the forecast really takes a turn after Sunday.

Fast forward to next week, and that's where the big news lies. A significant storm system is making its way toward us, promising a major pattern shift to much wetter conditions. We anticipate this system rolling in Monday night, and then really ramping up through Tuesday and Wednesday. And when I say significant, I mean it: we're talking about the potential for substantial rainfall in our valleys and some seriously heavy snow up in the Sierra Nevada.

For those in the valley, don't be surprised if you see anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain by the time this system moves through. If you're living in the foothills, prepare for even more, possibly 3 to 6 inches. That much rain, especially over a few days, certainly raises concerns for localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and around our rivers. So, it's definitely a good idea to keep an eye on those drainage systems and be prepared for some soggy conditions.

Up in the mountains, it's a completely different story, but equally impactful. The Sierra could be buried under 2 to 4 feet of snow above 6,000 feet, and even elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet could see a foot or two. Initially, the snow levels might start a bit higher, around 6,000 to 7,000 feet on Monday night, but they are expected to drop steadily to between 4,000 and 5,000 feet by mid-week. This means travel in the mountains will likely become very difficult, if not impossible, so anyone with plans to head to the higher elevations next week should definitely reconsider or at least be ready for serious winter driving conditions.