Dry through Saturday, then a powerful storm arrives Sunday. Expect 1.5–3 inches of valley rain, 3–5 feet of Sierra snow and gusty winds through midweek.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dry weather conditions are forecast for the Sacramento region on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That’s good news for Valentine’s Day plans!
Another storm arrives on Sunday, and it’s going to be much larger than the one we just had. This storm will be highly disruptive, especially in the high country.
We’re talking about a couple of inches of valley rain and several feet of Sierra snow from Sunday through Wednesday! Snow levels on Tuesday and Wednesday could be as low as 2,500 feet.
When
Mostly cloudy on Saturday for Valentine’s Day, but at least we’re also mostly dry. It’s not until we get towards Saturday night that we will start to see some rain chances.
Rain begins on Sunday, with snow getting going Sunday evening. Widespread heavy rain and heavy snow are expected Monday through Wednesday.
Snow levels will go from about 5000 ft on Sunday to 4000 ft on Monday, then 3000 ft on Tuesday and Wednesday. Snow levels could drop to about 2500 ft at times, but they likely won’t stay that low for long.
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Impact
We’re still several days away from the storm’s onset, so conditions can and will change between now and then.
That being said, an impactful system that’ll bring at least a couple of inches of rain to the valley and several feet of snow to the Sierra is likely. In addition, low snow levels and gusty winds are expected.
Model snowfall ranges from about 35″ to 60″ – about 3′ to 5′ – Sunday through Wednesday. Snow could continue on Thursday. Models differ on when the storm ends. Thursday’s snowfall could add another foot to the above totals.
Snow levels will go from about 5000 ft on Sunday to 4000 ft on Monday, then 3000 ft on Tuesday and as low as 2000 ft Wednesday morning.
Long-range models are very aggressive on the sub-2500 ft snowfall. 10″ at Foresthill or 3″ at Sonora? Unlikely.
A rain/snow mix down to about 1500 ft is possible at times before sunrise on Wednesday, but no accumulating snow is expected.
Valley rain is likely to be between 1.5″ and 3.0″, but there’s still a fair amount of differences in the models. Regardless, be ready for a very soggy few days.
In terms of winds, the valley could see 35-45 mph winds through midweek, with stronger gusts in the high country.
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Need
Don’t let the quiet and mild weather catch you off guard! Be ready for impactful weather beginning during the long holiday weekend!
Heavy snow and strong winds will make travel in the Sierra very difficult beginning Sunday night and continuing without a break through at least Wednesday.
If you plan to travel to the ski resorts on Friday or Saturday and stay through the long weekend, that won’t be feasible. Travel will be greatly impacted. Plan to stay through midweek or return before the snow starts.
In the valley, conditions will be very wet and soggy from Sunday through at least Wednesday. Make sure you have the rain gear ready. Outdoor plans should be reconsidered.
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