Sacramento, California – Rain arriving by late Monday afternoon could begin slicking roads across the Sacramento Valley, with stronger winds and Sierra snow building into Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a series of fast-moving systems will bring rounds of rain, mountain snow, and gusty south-southwest winds from Tuesday through Thursday. Valley rainfall totals are expected between 0.25 and 1 inch, with locally higher amounts up to 1.5 inches in northern areas.
Winds will increase Tuesday into Wednesday, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph across the Valley and stronger along the Sierra foothills. Drivers along I-5, Highway 99, and Interstate 80 should prepare for difficult travel, especially for high-profile vehicles.
In the Sierra Nevada, snowfall totals could reach 6 to 12 inches, with higher peaks seeing even more. Snow levels start between 6,000 and 7,000 feet Tuesday, lowering to 4,000 to 5,000 feet by Thursday, which could bring accumulating snow closer to key passes.
Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, adding brief heavy downpours and gusty winds. Residents should secure outdoor items and plan for changing travel conditions.
The unsettled pattern continues through Thursday, with additional updates expected as each system moves through.
