SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Central Valley wakes to calm air and mist clinging to the riverbanks this Veterans Day morning, but changes are brewing to the west. After a string of mild, quiet days, Northern California is on track for its first widespread November rain by midweek — a shift that will bring cooler air, slick roads, and an early taste of winter transition.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, skies stay mostly cloudy through Tuesday before showers build late Wednesday. Light rain may begin by afternoon, turning steadier into the evening as a Pacific front moves inland. Forecasters call for up to half an inch of rain in valley locations, with isolated thunderstorms possible near the foothills and south of I-80. Winds will pick up from the south at 10 to 15 mph, gusting near 25 mph at times.
The timing could make for slower midweek commutes along major corridors, including I-5, Highway 99, and I-80, where slick pavement and ponding may develop. Motorists should give extra space and check wipers before heading out Wednesday evening.
Thursday will stay unsettled with lingering showers and highs cooling into the low 60s. By Friday, the system exits, leaving behind partly sunny skies and highs near 59°F. The weekend looks drier — ideal for yard cleanup or early holiday decorating — but another system could approach late Sunday, keeping the region’s weather pattern active into next week.
After all, this is November in Northern California: the dry days fade fast, and rain becomes the rule once again.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, CA:
Tue: 73/53 – Mostly cloudy; light breeze.
Wed: 69/58 – Showers developing; chance thunder.
Thu: 62/47 – Rain, cooler.
Fri: 59/45 – Partly sunny; isolated shower.
Sat: 61/47 – Mostly sunny; calm.
