San Francisco, California – A stretch of unseasonably mild and dry winter weather is expected across Northern California beginning Thursday, with temperatures trending above normal and precipitation chances falling below average through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Northern California is forecast to experience above-normal temperatures from Thursday through Monday, paired with below-normal precipitation. This pattern signals a notable break from the active storm tracks that often bring rain and mountain snow to the region in mid-January.
Along the coast, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Monterey Bay, residents can expect fewer rain events and milder daytime temperatures. Cloud cover will vary, but prolonged rainfall appears unlikely. Overnight lows are also expected to remain milder than typical, limiting cold-weather concerns in urban and coastal areas.
Interior valleys, including Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and Chico, will see above-average temperatures with dry conditions dominating. The lack of rainfall may allow soils to dry further, especially in agricultural regions that rely on winter precipitation for recharge. Morning fog may develop at times in valley locations, but significant weather impacts are not expected.
In the Sierra Nevada and higher terrain of Northern California, reduced precipitation will likely slow snowpack accumulation. While temperatures will still be cold enough for winter conditions at elevation, fewer storms may lead to quieter travel periods across mountain passes compared to a typical January stretch.
Major travel corridors such as Interstate 5, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50, and Highway 101 are expected to see generally favorable conditions during this period.
While the warmer and drier pattern may benefit travel and outdoor plans, water managers and residents will continue monitoring snowpack and reservoir levels if this trend persists. For now, the mild and dry setup is expected to hold into early next week, with any return to more active weather likely beyond this timeframe.
