Weather
California Thanksgiving Weather: Sierra Snow Risk Nov. 18–24
Sacramento, CA – Thanksgiving travelers across California could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation probabilities rise heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about heav
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-11T08:44:24.550Z
Sacramento, CA – Thanksgiving travelers across California could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation probabilities rise heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, mountain snow, winter storms and potentially hazardous driving conditions during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across much of California and the western United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The widespread wet pattern extends from the Pacific Coast through the Great Basin and central Plains. California falls within a broad area of elevated precipitation probabilities, increasing attention on possible storm systems approaching the state before Thanksgiving.
Sacramento, Stockton and Northern California Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Stockton, Davis and surrounding communities could experience periods of unsettled weather as the precipitation pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 5, Interstate 80 and Highway 99 should monitor forecasts for rainfall, reduced visibility and potentially slick highways.
San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay Area San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Santa Rosa and surrounding Bay Area communities could face periods of rain during the preholiday travel window.
Interstate 80, Interstate 580, Interstate 880 and U.S. Highway 101 are major corridors to monitor if heavier precipitation develops.
Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the Sierra Nevada Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Mammoth Lakes and surrounding Sierra Nevada communities warrant particular attention for potential winter weather.
Higher elevations could experience accumulating snowfall if colder air overlaps with developing Pacific storm systems.
Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and mountain routes along U.S. Highway 395 could face winter driving hazards if snow develops.
Los Angeles, Riverside and Southern California Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino and surrounding communities could experience periods of rain as the wetter pattern extends across California.
Travelers along Interstate 5, Interstate 10, Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 101 should monitor forecasts for possible heavier rainfall and reduced visibility.
Mountain routes, including Interstate 5 near the Grapevine, could face winter weather concerns if snow levels fall sufficiently.
San Diego and Inland Southern California San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, Temecula and nearby communities could also experience unsettled weather.
Rain is the primary concern at lower elevations, while higher mountain communities could see snow if temperatures support winter precipitation.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The elevated precipitation signal arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising questions about possible travel disruptions across California.
Heavy rain and mountain snow are important hazards to monitor, particularly across Northern California and the Sierra Nevada.
However, NOAA's November 18–24 precipitation outlook does not establish individual storm tracks, rainfall totals, snowfall accumulations or specific highway closures.
California travelers should monitor updated forecasts for developing Pacific storms, snow levels, rainfall intensity and mountain pass conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.