Sacramento, California – Winter may not be finished across Northern California, as Groundhog Day tradition lines up with long-range climate signals pointing to a slower transition into spring. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, signaling six more weeks of winter and pushing expectations for a more consistent warm-up closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, Northern California is included in a broader West Coast region expected to trend above normal for temperatures from February through April. Even with that warmer signal, colder systems will still move through at times, keeping snow in play for higher elevations and bringing periods of cool, unsettled weather to lower elevations. Sacramento, Redding, Chico, and the northern San Joaquin Valley could see frequent swings between mild afternoons and cooler, unsettled stretches.
Precipitation remains a key concern. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, parts of Northern California are expected to see near to above-normal precipitation through early spring. That supports continued Sierra Nevada snowfall and periodic valley rain events, which can impact travel along I-80, Highway 50, and Highway 395 while also increasing runoff concerns as snowpack builds.
While the Farmers’ Almanac notes spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, winter weather influences may persist beyond those calendar milestones. Northern Californians are encouraged to remain weather-aware, monitor Caltrans updates for mountain travel, and prepare for additional storms, as winter patterns may continue to influence daily conditions into early spring.
