SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A crisp, calm morning greets the Sacramento Valley this Thursday, the air cool enough to hint at change. Golden leaves cling to trees under clear skies, but that tranquil fall scene won’t hold through the weekend. The region’s first notable rain system in weeks is expected to arrive late Friday night into Saturday, bringing a shift from sunshine to wet roads and cooler afternoons.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, Thursday will stay mild and bright, with highs in the mid-70s and calm winds — perfect for outdoor cleanup or early Halloween decorating. By late Friday, however, clouds will begin thickening ahead of a Pacific front that’s on track to spread showers across Northern California on Saturday morning.
Rain chances rise sharply by dawn Saturday, with an 80% probability of measurable rainfall across the valley and foothills. Light showers could linger through Sunday, especially along and north of I-80. Rainfall totals are projected between a quarter and half an inch in the valley, and locally higher near the Sierra foothills.
High temperatures will cool into the upper 60s this weekend — a clear signal that fall’s gentle hand is tightening its grip. Drivers should watch for slick spots early Saturday and falling leaves that can make intersections slippery.
After the weekend system moves through, drier weather returns Monday and Tuesday with a return to the low 70s. Still, the transition has begun — the kind that reminds Sacramento residents to keep umbrellas handy, clear storm drains, and enjoy those few golden dry days while they last.
Five-Day Forecast for Sacramento, CA:
Thu: 74/52 – Sunny, calm, seasonal warmth.
Fri: 73/56 – Increasing clouds late.
Sat: 68/53 – Showers likely; breezy.
Sun: 65/54 – Chance of showers; cooler.
Mon: 69/51 – Partly sunny, drying trend.
