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Northern California’s weeks-long dry spell is about to break in a big way. Storm systems will send atmospheric river moisture to the region starting this weekend. Rounds of heavy rain and snow are expected through at least Christmas Day. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday are KCRA 3 weather Impact Days. Thursday is now a KCRA 3 weather Alert Day. Wet and breezy conditions are becoming increasingly likely each of those days for the Valley and Foothills. The Sierra will see mainly rain through Tuesday, but heavy snow is now expected Wednesday and Thursday.Leer en español. How much rain?Atmospheric river moisture will be a major ingredient in next week’s weather setup. That means rain will be persistent and sometimes heavy, especially in the hills. Rain totals will be highest in the Sierra and upper Foothills. Places like Blue Canyon could see up to 15 inches of rain from Saturday night through Wednesday. Placerville, Nevada City, Sonora and other communities in the Foothills could close to 10 inches of rain. The Sacramento Valley could see up to 6 inches of rain through Thursday. Areas in the San Joaquin Valley could see up to 5 inches of rain. Will there be flooding?Recent dry weather means all of the region’s basins and reservoirs have plenty of room to take in runoff as rain begins. Creeks will rise Sunday and Monday, but flooding is not expected. Tuesday’s break in the steady rain will allow time for creeks and streams to recede. Heavy rounds of rain could lead to some creek flooding Wednesday and Thursday. When will there be snow? Snow is badly needed in the Sierra, it’s finally in the forecast. The summits could see feet of powder later next week. Snow levels Saturday, Sunday and Monday will mainly stay above the passes. The exception could be during the overnight hours when temperatures could be just cold enough for snow at the summits. Tuesday is when the snow level may drop enough snow to fall at the summits, but precipitation will likely be light on Tuesday as the best moisture shifts north. Travel delays and chain controls are more likely Wednesday and Thursday of next week. These are days to avoid mountain travel if possible. REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.
Northern California’s weeks-long dry spell is about to break in a big way. Storm systems will send atmospheric river moisture to the region starting this weekend. Rounds of heavy rain and snow are expected through at least Christmas Day.
Sunday, Monday and Wednesday are KCRA 3 weather Impact Days. Thursday is now a KCRA 3 weather Alert Day. Wet and breezy conditions are becoming increasingly likely each of those days for the Valley and Foothills. The Sierra will see mainly rain through Tuesday, but heavy snow is now expected Wednesday and Thursday.
How much rain?
Atmospheric river moisture will be a major ingredient in next week’s weather setup. That means rain will be persistent and sometimes heavy, especially in the hills.
Rain totals will be highest in the Sierra and upper Foothills. Places like Blue Canyon could see up to 15 inches of rain from Saturday night through Wednesday.
Placerville, Nevada City, Sonora and other communities in the Foothills could close to 10 inches of rain.
The Sacramento Valley could see up to 6 inches of rain through Thursday. Areas in the San Joaquin Valley could see up to 5 inches of rain.
Will there be flooding?
Recent dry weather means all of the region’s basins and reservoirs have plenty of room to take in runoff as rain begins. Creeks will rise Sunday and Monday, but flooding is not expected.
Tuesday’s break in the steady rain will allow time for creeks and streams to recede. Heavy rounds of rain could lead to some creek flooding Wednesday and Thursday.
When will there be snow?
Snow is badly needed in the Sierra, it’s finally in the forecast. The summits could see feet of powder later next week.
Snow levels Saturday, Sunday and Monday will mainly stay above the passes. The exception could be during the overnight hours when temperatures could be just cold enough for snow at the summits.
Tuesday is when the snow level may drop enough snow to fall at the summits, but precipitation will likely be light on Tuesday as the best moisture shifts north. Travel delays and chain controls are more likely Wednesday and Thursday of next week. These are days to avoid mountain travel if possible.
REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
Click here to see our interactive radar.
DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
Here is where you can download our app.
Follow our KCRA weather team on social media
- Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
- Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
- Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
- Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.
- Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.
Watch our forecasts on TV or online
Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.
We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.
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