California greets the first official week of winter with soaked streets, low clouds, and the sound of steady rain on rooftops. Gutters run fast before sunrise, and puddles already stretch across side streets as a prolonged wet pattern takes hold.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Sacramento and much of Northern California through Friday afternoon. A series of warm atmospheric rivers continues pushing moisture into the valley. Rain develops early today and intensifies at times through Wednesday, including Christmas Eve.
This Monday starts mild, near 58 degrees, but wet. Showers increase through the morning and persist into the afternoon. Patchy fog reduces visibility, especially near rivers and low-lying roads. Expect slick travel on I-5, Highway 99, and surface streets during commute hours.
Rain continues tonight and into Tuesday, though it briefly eases during the day. Don’t let the break fool you. The ground remains saturated, and runoff will increase quickly once heavier rain returns Tuesday night. Small creeks and urban drainage areas may rise fast.
Wednesday brings the highest concern. Showers become widespread again, with thunderstorms possible by afternoon. Rainfall rates may overwhelm storm drains, especially in poor-drainage neighborhoods. Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly during daylight and evening hours.
Christmas Eve stays wet. Temperatures remain above freezing, limiting frost concerns in the valley, but steady rain keeps roads slick. Mountain snow continues well above pass levels, meaning valley rain drains directly into rivers instead of storing as snowpack.
Residents should clear drains, avoid flooded roads, and monitor river levels closely. Water often rises faster than expected during multi-day events.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
- Monday: Showers, fog at times; high near 58°F
- Tuesday: Scattered showers; high near 59°F
- Wednesday: Heavy rain possible, storms; high near 55°F
- Christmas Day: Showers likely; high near 54°F
- Thursday: Showers continue; low near 48°F
