Sacramento, Calif. – A stretch of warmer and drier weather will settle across much of Northern California this weekend, but forecasters warn of a lingering thunderstorm threat Friday evening along the Sierra Nevada.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, isolated thunderstorms may develop south of Interstate 80 late Friday afternoon into the evening. While most of the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area remain dry, the Sierra foothills and higher elevations could see lightning, brief downpours, and gusty winds.
Communities from Placerville to Sonora are most at risk for these pop-up storms. Drivers traveling on Highway 50 and Highway 49 should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including reduced visibility in sudden rain showers. Outdoor recreation in the Sierra also carries added danger due to the lightning risk.
Forecasters note that after tonight’s storm chances, the region will transition into a warmer, calmer pattern lasting through the weekend and into next week. No widespread rain or storm activity is expected beyond Friday evening.
Warnings remain in effect for Sierra travel Friday evening, but conditions should ease overnight with no further advisories anticipated.
