California — Headlights glow through low fog this morning as damp air settles over the Sacramento Valley. Visibility drops in pockets, especially near rivers and low-lying neighborhoods. The air feels calm, but winter hazards are quietly lining up.
Patchy fog lingers through mid-morning before skies brighten. Highs climb into the mid-50s, offering a brief break from the chill. Roads may start damp, then dry quickly as sunshine returns. Still, drivers should stay alert during the early commute, especially along I-80, Highway 50, and surface streets near the American River.
Tonight brings another shift. Skies clear, winds ease, and temperatures slide into the upper 30s. That setup allows frost to form by early morning, especially outside the urban core. Sensitive plants, exposed pipes, and parked cars may show signs of a light freeze by daybreak.
Thursday turns sunny but cooler. Afternoon highs hover near 50 degrees, with a crisp feel lingering in the shade. By Thursday night, frost risk expands again as lows dip to the mid-30s. Meteorologists note this pattern favors repeated cold mornings even when afternoons feel mild.
Friday starts cold but bright. Frost remains possible early, then sunshine pushes highs near 50 again. Fog may redevelop late Friday night as moisture pools near the surface. That cycle continues into the weekend, with patchy fog and chilly mornings paired with mild afternoons.
Looking ahead to early next week, temperatures slowly moderate, but fog remains a recurring concern. Winter conditions may feel subtle, yet they can still disrupt travel and routines.
Plan extra time for morning drives, slow down in fog, and protect plants during cold nights. Black ice is unlikely, but slick spots can form where condensation freezes briefly before sunrise.
Five-Day Outlook for Sacramento, California
Today: Patchy fog early, mostly sunny, high near 56
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low near 39
Thursday: Sunny, breezy, high near 50
Friday: Frost early, sunny, high near 49
Saturday: Patchy fog and frost early, high near 50
