California – Clear skies over the Central Valley hide a quiet winter hazard this morning. Cold air settles into Sacramento, setting the stage for frost and pockets of thick fog that can catch drivers off guard.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures dip into the upper 30s early, with calmer winds allowing moisture to pool near the ground. Patchy fog develops before sunrise, especially along the American River corridor and low-lying neighborhoods near I-80, Highway 50, and Highway 99. Visibility may drop quickly in spots.
By late morning, sunshine breaks through and lifts temperatures near 50. Roads dry out, but shaded bridges and ramps may stay slick after cold nights. Commuters should slow down in fog-prone areas and use low beams where visibility drops.
Cold mornings continue into Friday. Areas of frost form before sunrise, followed by another round of patchy fog. The air feels crisp, and wind remains light. Afternoon highs hover near 50, offering mild relief but little warmth once the sun sets.
Friday night brings the coldest setup. Clear skies and calm air allow temperatures to fall into the mid-30s. Fog redevelops late, and frost becomes more widespread by early Saturday. Drivers heading out early should expect sudden visibility changes.
The weekend stays quiet but chilly. Saturday starts cold, then turns mostly sunny with highs near 51. Fog lingers again Saturday night. Sunday trends similar, with morning fog slowly giving way to filtered sunshine and highs near 52.
Early next week turns slightly milder, though fog remains a recurring issue. Winter patterns favor cold nights this time of year, even with dry weather. By late January, Sacramento gains roughly 40 extra minutes of daylight, a gradual shift many are already watching.
Noticing thick fog or frost where you live? Share what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
- Today: Sunny after cold start, high near 51
- Friday: Frost early, sunny later, high near 50
- Saturday: Patchy fog early, mostly sunny, high near 51
- Sunday: Morning fog, mostly cloudy, high near 52
- Monday: Fog early, mild afternoon, high near 53
