California drivers wake to damp streets and low gray clouds Monday morning as rain softens the city skyline. In Sacramento, the first Monday of 2026 brings wet pavement, reduced visibility, and a slow start for commuters and students heading back to school.
According to the National Weather Service, steady rain continues through much of Monday with highs near 55 degrees. Southeast winds strengthen at times, producing gusts up to 25 mph. Rainfall amounts remain light, but persistent moisture keeps roadways slick, especially on Interstate 5, Highway 50, and surface streets during peak travel hours.
As rain tapers later Monday, another concern develops. Patchy fog forms late Monday night and into early Tuesday, reducing visibility near rivers, open fields, and low-lying neighborhoods. Drivers should use low beams and allow extra stopping distance during early travel.
Tuesday brings improvement. Clouds break gradually, and sunshine returns by afternoon with highs near 56 degrees. Fog may linger early but clears faster as northerly breezes develop. By Tuesday night, skies stay partly cloudy, allowing temperatures to dip into the mid-40s.
Wednesday stays quiet but cooler. Patchy fog redevelops early, followed by partly sunny skies and highs in the mid-50s. Nights grow colder into midweek, with lows dropping into the low 40s and upper 30s by Thursday morning. While freezing temperatures remain unlikely downtown, bridges and shaded roadways may feel slick during early hours.
Thursday and Friday turn drier and brighter, with mostly sunny afternoons and crisp mornings. Daylight continues its slow return, gaining noticeable minutes by late January.
Meteorologists note additional Pacific systems remain active across Northern California, but Sacramento sees a brief break after today’s rain. Stay alert during fog-prone hours.
Seeing dense fog or slick roads this morning? Tell us how conditions look where you’re driving.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Sacramento, California
Monday: Rain, high near 55
Tuesday: Patchy fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 56
Wednesday: Patchy fog early, partly sunny, high near 54
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
