Those looking to live out a festive, Hallmark-style Christmas may not need to venture farther than a small town south of Denver.
“Every year, Hallmark holiday movies drop us into snow-dusted towns full of glowing storefronts, festive markets, and built-in nostalgia,” a holiday-themed analysis stated. “The question is which real U.S. towns actually feel that way.”
Littleton, which stands out for its Main Street charm and thriving local economy, ranked first in Colorado for its Christmas movie charm and placed ninth nationally, according to The Action Network analysis.
“In Hallmark terms, Littleton reads like a Rocky Mountain version of a classic holiday town: festive shopfronts, walkable streets, and a community that feels both lively and close-knit,” spokesperson Kathy Morris said in an email to The Denver Post. “It’s the kind of place where the tree lighting on Main Street draws everyone — including the soon-to-be couple at the heart of the story.”
The Action Network rankings are based on a “Hallmark Likelihood Index” — which pulls data from more than 3,000 towns on population, number of small businesses, historic sites and December snowfall — to determine where a real-life Hallmark holiday story is most likely to happen.
In Littleton, the chances are close to 3.3%, according to the analysis.
The town boasts a population of roughly 45,500 and has more than 36,000 businesses, one of the highest totals in the country, the analysis showed. It also gets about 1 inch of snow each December — just enough for a lightly dusted holiday movie scene.
“We can’t guarantee a high-powered executive is returning to Littleton only to reconnect with her hometown crush — but statistically, Littleton gives her a pretty solid chance,” Morris wrote.
DENVER – A pedestrian died following a crash on Interstate 25 near Yale Avenue early Saturday morning, according to the Denver Police Department.
The Denver Police Department first reported the crash around 4 a.m. Saturday, tweeting that a pedestrian had serious injuries. The pedestrian was later pronounced deceased, police said.
The driver stayed on scene and cooperated with officers, police said.
Officers closed the southbound lanes of I-25 starting at University Boulevard until about 7:30 a.m.
The pedestrian’s identity has not yet been released.
The D.C. area is facing weather this weekend that’s as brutal as those Black Friday “deals.” Expect chilly but mostly sunny conditions for Saturday.
The D.C. area is facing weather this weekend that’s as brutal as those Black Friday “deals.”
Saturday will be mostly sunny but cold as winter weather from the Midwest heads toward the region.
Wind gusts diminish slightly from Friday, down to 15 mph. Temperatures will peak in the 40s, which 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said is “a little bit below normal for this time of year.”
A low pressure warm front approaches overnight into Sunday, giving way to some showers.
While the District remains under a cold alert until 9 a.m. Saturday, a winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service through noon Sunday for parts of western Maryland and Virginia.
NWS officials warn mix precipitation could prompt snow accumulations of 1 inch, with the possibilities of a light ice glaze on the roads. Drivers are urged to be cautious.
Sunday will be similar to Saturday as the day’s high temperatures remain in the low to mid-40s. Precipitation and clouds will move out by the evening.
FORECAST
SATURDAY: Cold and Sunny Highs: 39-44 Winds: Light & Variable Another cold day with the exception of lighter winds and wind chills not as cold as Friday. Freezing temperatures this morning will only warm to the low 40s in the afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Increasing Clouds Lows: 30-35 Winds: South 5-10 mph Clouds will increase overnight ahead of the next weather-maker that brings showers Sunday.
SUNDAY: PM Showers Highs: 45-49 Wind Chill: 40s Winds: South 10-15 mph Scattered afternoon and evening showers are expected with little impact to holiday travel home. Plan for chilly temperatures in the 40s throughout the day.
MONDAY: Mostly Sunny Highs: 40-44 Wind Chill: 30s Winds: North 10-15 mph Temperatures drop again behind a cold front with chilly highs in the 40s and wind chills in the 30s.
TUESDAY: AM Mix, PM Showers Highs: 36-40 Winds: North 5-10 mph Right now it appears temperatures will be too warm for wintry weather in D.C. with the exception for the suburbs north and west. Rain and snow may mix in the morning before turning into a cold rain during the afternoon. This may lead to small, slushy snow accumulations on elevated and grass surfaces. Temperatures likely stay above freezing during the morning hours.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
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FRISCO, Colo. — Mountain towns like Frisco are feeling the impacts of a snow-starved season, with the community hoping this weekend’s forecast will deliver the powder they’ve been waiting for.
Linsey Joyce, recreation director for the town of Frisco, said they had to pivot to Mother Nature’s plans and encourage visitors to enjoy other activities. This overwhelmingly warm fall meant locals enjoyed biking and running on the trails, but as Joyce explained, many are ready to bring their skis out.
“We need the snow to have our community just function in the way that it typically does for November, December,” said Joyce. “We’re really hoping this weekend turns out to be a big, big snowfall.”
Denver7 | Weather
Denver’s likely snow totals as coldest temps of the season arrive this weekend
Evidently, the warm temperatures have made it challenging for the team to make snow at the Nordic Center, which is why fresh flakes are needed.
“It is vital for our winter operation, as a lot of other operations here in Summit County,” said Joyce. “So without the snow, we are not able to send folks out skiing. Our tubing hill we try to build up to 5 to 6 lanes. and so right now we’re looking at 2 to 3 lanes, hopefully for opening day.”
Caleb Foreman
Right in the heart of Frisco, Rebel Sports sells both bikes and skis, along with other gear. Ski tech, Lance Doughman, explained that while there has not been a lot of snow, it has kept another activity popular.
“It has been the longest bike season that I can remember. We’re selling tubes in mid-November, that doesn’t normally happen,” Doughman said.
Now with snow on the way, Doughman said this will help the season pick up, and the store is prepared with plenty of skis for customers to choose from.
Denver7
“Normally, once we get a good storm, whether that be in September, that kind of shuts down the trails,” said Doughman. “But, we haven’t had that storm yet, so the trails stayed open longer than normal.”
Denver7
Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Maggy Wolanske
Denver7’s Maggy Wolanske is a multimedia journalist who covers topics that have an impact across Colorado, but specializes in reporting on climate and environment, as well as stories impacting animals and wildlife. If you’d like to get in touch with Maggy, fill out the form below to send her an email.
Denver dropped to its coldest temperatures in more than eight months on Tuesday night, sustaining the hopes of winter-loving Coloradans for a snowy Thanksgiving weekend.
The last time DIA thermometers dropped that low was 265 days earlier, when the temperature fell to 17 degrees on March 5.
Metro Denver residents are still waiting for the first snow of the season, with this year’s first snowfall likely to be the second-latest on record.
Denver’s latest first snowfall was on Dec. 10, 2021, and the city already surpassed the No. 3 latest snowfall of Nov. 21, 1934, last week.
Denver is also approaching the record for the most consecutive days without snow, according to the National Weather Service. The 2021 record was 232 days and the city has gone 221 days without snow in 2025 as of Wednesday, the fourth-longest streak ever recorded.
Folks sticking close to home for Thanksgiving can expect warm weather on Thursday and Friday, with highs in the 50s, before a cold front brings light snow to northern Colorado starting Friday night and into Saturday morning.
A second storm system could bring another round of light snow on Sunday, forecasters said.
“Snowfall amounts look to be on the lighter side, but with cold temperatures in place, it is expected to be cold enough for roads to become slippery at times,” forecasters wrote on Wednesday.
The updated forecast comes as nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel more than 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of immediate weather forecasts for travelers, as heavy snow can disrupt plans and set off dangerous travel.
Some early Thanksgiving travelers have already encountered weather-related challenges, which targeted parts of the Central and Southeastern U.S. over the weekend, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski told Newsweek.
What To Know
The National Weather Service (NWS) shared the forecast in a key message posted to Facebook on Monday afternoon. The forecast revealed which states were expecting the heaviest snowfall from a potent winter storm set to hit the U.S. this week.
“Winter system will enter the Northern Plains by Tuesday morning, moving east across the Upper Midwest through Wednesday leading to periods of heavy snowfall,” the message said. “Heavy lake effect snow will impact the snow belt downwind of Lake Superior on Wednesday as the main storm moves to the northeast. Lake effect snow will continue into Thanksgiving morning.”
Snow is predicted to start in North Dakota on Tuesday morning, then shift to central and northern Minnesota by that night. The heaviest snow will likely fall Tuesday night into Wednesday across Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Up to 12 inches could fall in North Dakota and Minnesota, with up to 3 feet expected downwind of Lake Superior.
“Heavy snow and gusty winds will help to reduce visibility and allow for icy roads creating hazardous driving conditions,” the forecast said.
Widespread winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories and winter storm watches are already in place.
What People Are Saying
NWS, in a Monday forecast: “By early Tuesday morning, expect moments of moderate to heavy snow bands to move through Northern Montana and parts of North Dakota, along with an increase in gusty winds due [to] pressure gradient tightening. Forecasted snowfall amounts may vary, but expect between 4-8″ across parts of the Northern Rockies, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest by late Tuesday.”
AccuWeather lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok, in a report: “Snow and slippery road conditions could cause delays at times across the upper Midwest and in areas downwind of the Great Lakes. Wind and blowing snow could cause blizzard-like conditions at times.”
What Happens Next
People living in the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region should keep a close eye on the weather and take precautions if they must travel on, before, or after Thanksgiving during the worst of the snow. Forecasts will be updated as conditions develop, and people should follow the advice of their local weather officials.
No snow is forecast for the Denver area leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, and limited amounts are expected in higher elevations, including on mountain passes, according to weather service forecasters.
Colorado’s highest peaks, including Mount Zirkel in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains, will see between zero and 8 inches of snow by 5 a.m. Thursday. The most likely snowfall on that mountain is closer to 1 inch, forecasters said.
Most of that snow is expected to fall Monday night into Tuesday morning, and will likely be gone before most travelers hit the roads, rails or air, according to weather service forecasters.
Higher elevations, including Cameron Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass, also have a 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Wednesday, forecasters said.
Chances for snow will return across Colorado following Thanksgiving Day, and winter weather could intercept many travelers on their way home, according to the weather service.
The amount of snow expected to fall was still up in the air Monday morning, but hourly forecasts from the weather service showed a 40% chance of Denver seeing its first snow of the season over the post-holiday weekend.
At that time, the strongest chance for snow in the Denver area fell between 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, but snow showers could start as early as 11 p.m. Friday and continue into Sunday night, forecasters said.
Multiple inches of snow are expected to fall on Colorado’s mountain passes starting at about noon on Friday, according to the weather service.
As of Monday morning, the strongest possibility of snow on most of the state’s mountain passes — moving from a 30% to 40% “chance” to “likely” odds of 60% to 80% — was expected to start at 11 a.m. Saturday and continue through Sunday, forecasters said.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, will likely be the single busiest day at the Denver airport for holiday travel, with more than 96,000 people expected to pass through security, airport officials said.
A record number of travelers are expected to take trains to travel this year, and millions across the country will hop in the car for a time-honored road trip, according to Amtrak and AAA officials.
It’s unknown how the snow forecast over the weekend will impact trains and planes, but both can be delayed or canceled for extreme winter weather.
Drivers can monitor road conditions — including weather, crashes and closures — online at cotrip.org.
It may have felt like the recent rain would never end in Los Angeles, but the record-breaking precipitation in Southern California has failed to translate into a much-desired dumping of snow at ski resorts across the state.
While Friday was originally set as the opening date of the Heavenly and Northstar ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, officials said mild weather and stubbornly insufficient flurries have delayed those plans.
Vail Resorts, which owns both resorts, has yet to announce an updated opening date. But the forecast ahead does not look promising.
“A dry forecast is in store for the next week through Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” Open Snow wrote in its Tahoe area forecast Friday. “We could see a change in the pattern the weekend of the 29th with colder air moving in and maybe some snow. Overall, through the long-range, there are no big storms showing up, but hopefully that changes as we go deeper into December.”
Mammoth Mountain, California’s highest-elevation ski resort, was also recently forced to delay the start of its season.
The Sierra Nevada resort had initially announced a Nov. 14 opening date, but pushed it off as an atmospheric river storm swept across the state. While forecasters hoped the low-pressure system would blanket the slopes in Mammoth, mountainside temperatures remained too warm for serious snow.
Fortunately, thanks to a moderate storm earlier this week and robust use of snow machines, Mammoth was able to open for the season Thursday with around one-third of its lifts running. Nevertheless, season snowfall totals remain below average.
Other major Golden State ski resorts are eyeing late November and early December openings. Palisades Tahoe is scheduled to open on Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving. Kirkwood resort, located south of Lake Tahoe, is hoping to open on Dec. 5.
Those seeking to hit the slopes closer to Los Angeles will have to have patience. Big Bear Mountain Resort in San Bernardino County has yet to set an opening date and currently has just 1 to 2 inches of snow on the ground.
Climate change has made the art of predicting and managing snowfall at California’s ski resorts much more challenging.
Recent years have been characterized by extreme boom and bust cycles, going from alarmingly low-snow winters in 2020 and 2021 to extreme accumulations in the 2022-23 season, when Mammoth Mountain received a record-breaking snowfall of more than 700 inches at its main lodge.
“We’re going through this climate whiplash of extreme drought years to extreme wet years — there are just no average years anymore,” Doug Obegi, a senior attorney at the National Resources Defense Council, said in a statement on 2023’s record-breaking season. “And we’re seeing that we are not prepared for either of those extremes.”
Overall, snow seasons are expected to trend warmer and drier. Researchers predict that from the 2050s to 2100, rising temperatures could push average snowlines 1,300 feet to 1,600 feet higher across the Sierra Nevada compared to a century earlier.
And extreme snow years, while welcomed by snowsport enthusiasts, come with their own challenges.
When snow falls in extreme storms as opposed to steadily over the course of the season, it increases the risk of avalanches and can force resorts to stop running lifts due to safety concerns. Then in the spring, deep snowpacks melt faster than normal, which can lead to dangerous flooding and even worsen the upcoming fire season.
Ski patrol at Arapahoe Basin picks up warning signs at the end of the day, Nov. 19, 2025.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
It’s likely to rain Thursday night in Denver. It’s not the snow we’ve all been waiting for, but we sure could use the moisture.
It’s expected to rain Thursday night into Friday morning, with a slight warmup before another chance of rain on Sunday.
The same storm could bring several inches of snow to the high country tonight, offering some relief from a dry, warm fall.
Lisa Hidalgo, chief meteorologist for Denver7, said statewide snowpack has only reached about 32 percent of normal, but the southwestern corner of the state is seeing “decent numbers.”
“Most of the snow that we’re going to see falling (is) in the mountains, down in through the Dolores, (and) San Miguel river basins. They’re at about 50 percent of average when it comes to statewide snowpack,” Hidalgo said. “But when you look at the statewide number, we’re down to about 32 percent of normal right now. It’s been a very slow start to the season.”
According to OpenSnow, the northern and central mountains could get 1 to 4 inches, with higher totals in the southern mountains, on Thursday night.
OpenSnow also reports a “good stormy signal” for weather to start arriving at the end of the month.
But there still isn’t any snow in Denver’s immediate forecast. The latest snowfall ever was on Dec. 10, 2021.
“We have this closed off low, which is basically its own little system rolling in from the west, which can bring a lot of moisture. But the problem is we don’t have the cold air impacting it,” Hidalgo said.
In other words, rain but no snow.
She also said that by the end of a typical November, Denver may already have seen a foot of snow.
However, the late snow isn’t completely ruining Denver’s precipitation levels yet. Hidalgo says Denver is actually an inch above normal in total precipitation for the year to date.
“That’s due to better snow that was from last spring and some good rain over the summer months,” Hidalgo said.
She said one of the main things she’s watching is the temperature.
“If our temperatures were not to change through the end of November, we would be looking at probably the first or second warmest November ever on record,” Hidalgo said. “Now we have some time here where those temperatures are probably going to drop us down, but I’d say we’re going to at least be on the top 10 list when it comes to one of the warmest Novembers ever on record.”
And what about the slopes?
The ski and snowboard season kicked off this month as multiple resorts opened to one of the driest starts to a snowy season. The driest was in 2016.
But Hidalgo is staying optimistic.
“I think this is going to be one of the driest, slowest starts to the ski season since the 2016-2017 year. Keep in mind, that year we had some crazy late-season snow, so our numbers actually really came up above normal that year. So a lot can change,” Hidalgo said. “We can still see an awesome ski season. People are still going to be enjoying the high country, and we do have a better pattern shift. I’d say we’re finally starting to see a shift in the pattern where we’re going to get more snow in the mountains.”
Northern California rain and snow forecast: Sierra chain controls, live road updates
Scroll below for live road conditions in the Sierra
LIVE AT 7:30 A.M. ALL RIGHT. LET’S GIVE YOU A LIVE LOOK OUTSIDE. THIS FROM A CALTRANS CAMERA IN KINGVALE. THIS IS ALONG I-80. YOU SEE TRAFFIC AT A STANDSTILL. CRASH UP THE ROAD NEAR DONNER SUMMIT HAS BROUGHT THINGS TO A HALT. AND OF COURSE, YOU CONTINUE TO SEE THAT SNOW FALL. WE’LL CHECK IN WITH BRIAN HICKEY IN JUST A LITTLE BIT FOR MORE ON THAT. AND TODAY IS A KCRA 3 WEATHER IMPACT DAY. THANKS FOR JOINING US. I’M MIKE CHERRY AND I’M BRANDI CUMMINGS. LET’S HEAD RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST TAMARA BERG. AND TAMARA. WE SEE ALL THE GREEN THERE ON RADAR BEHIND YOU. YEAH. AND WE DO HAVE CONDITIONS RIGHT NOW THAT ARE CERTAINLY SLICK. THIS IS A LIVE LOOK RIGHT NOW FROM STOCKTON, WHERE WE’RE EVEN SEEING A LITTLE BIT OF FOG TRYING TO ENVELOP THE TOWN THERE. AS YOU LOOK FROM THE SKYCAM, WET MORNING PLAN FOR THAT. GIVE YOURSELF A BUFFER OF TIME TO GET OUT ON THOSE WET ROADWAY CONDITIONS. AFTERNOON SHOWERS WILL BE KIND OF MORE HIT AND MISS VARIETY. AND IF YOU’RE DOING ANY SIERRA TRAVELS, YOU’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT. AGAIN, CONDITIONS ARE GOING TO BE SLICK AND SLOW TRAVELED AS WE’LL HAVE INTERMITTENT CHAIN CONTROLS LIKELY THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY TODAY IN THE MOUNTAINS RIGHT NOW, TEMPERATURES LOW 50S IN THE VALLEY AND DELTA 48 FOR YOU IN AUBURN AND WAKING UP TO JUST A CRISP AND CHILLY 32 WITH RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS THAT HAVE MIXED IN AROUND TRUCKEE. YOU’VE BEEN SEEING THAT SNOW LEVEL KIND OF DROP DOWN CLOSE TO AROUND 5000FT THIS MORNING, BUT A BULK OF THIS BOUNDARY IS PUSHING TO THE SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST. NOW AT THIS POINT IN THE MORNING. SO OUTSIDE OF MAYBE SOME WET TRACK, THERE ARE GOING TO BE PLENTY OF PARTS TO TODAY THAT WILL HAVE DRIER CONDITIONS. RIGHT NOW A COUPLE OF PASSING SHOWERS, CENTRAL SACRAMENTO COUNTY AND EXTENDING INTO SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY. AND I’VE BEEN SEEING JUST A BIT MORE RAIN BLOSSOM RIGHT NOW INTO STOCKTON AND EXTENDING INTO AREAS LIKE MODESTO. SOME BETTER SOAKING RAIN AROUND MANTECA ALONG HIGHWAY 120, AND SOME OF THOSE BANDS WILL PUSH TOWARDS FARMINGTON HERE ALONG HIGHWAY FOUR, IN JUST A FEW MOMENTS. BUT THE WIDENED VIEW HERE OF THE SIERRA, MOST OF THAT SNOW THAT WAS COMING DOWN AT A BETTER CLIP JUST BEFORE DAYBREAK IS NOW TRANSITION TO JUST THE OCCASIONAL SNOW SHOWER. SO FOR THE DAY AHEAD, WE’RE STILL EXPECTING TO HAVE THE IMPACT FOR THE MORNING BECAUSE OF THE WET CONDITIONS. AND THEN THE AFTERNOON BIGGER IMPACT WILL BE ON THE FOCUS IN THE SIERRA, WHERE THOSE SNOW SHOWERS CONTINUE. NEXT TEN MINUTES I’LL BREAK DOWN THE FORECAST FOR YOU NEIGHBORHOOD BY NEIGHBORHOOD. IT IS 7.32. AND BRIAN, YOU’VE GOT YOUR HANDS FULL, ESPECIALLY IN THE MOUNTAINS. YEAH. WE’RE GOING TO START IN THE SIERRA. THIS IS A PICTURE FROM LIVE TRACKER THREE WHERE YOU CAN SEE THERE A BIG RIG OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. MELANIE WINGO IS GOING TO HAVE MORE ON THAT. AND THE CONDITIONS THAT WE’RE SEEING IN THE SIERRA, WHAT IT’S LIKE TO DRIVE UP THERE. I WANT TO TAKE YOU NOW TO THE CALTRANS CAMERA. THIS IS BACK AT KINGVALE AND THEY’RE HOLDING TRAFFIC. THESE VEHICLES HAVE NOT MOVED HERE IN THE LAST 20 OR SO MINUTES, AS THEY’RE WAITING TO GET THAT INCIDENT CLEAR, IT’S ON THE DOWNSLOPE ON THE EAST SIDE OF DONNER SUMMIT. AND SO THEY DON’T WANT TO SEND A BUNCH OF TRAFFIC THAT WAY AND CAUSE EVEN MORE ACCIDENTS AND MAKE IT DANGEROUS FOR THE FOLKS ON THE SHOULDER. SO DELAYS EASTBOUND 80 WESTBOUND STILL GETTING THROUGH. BUT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, WE DO HAVE CHAIN REQUIREMENTS ON 80 FROM KINGVALE TO DONNER LAKE, HIGHWAY 50 KYBURZ TO MYERS, AND HIGHWAY 88, PEDDLER HILL TO SILVER LAKE. SO BE PREPARED IF YOU’RE HEADING INTO THE MOUNTAINS WESTBOUND 80. WE’RE SEEING SOME MINOR DELAYS COMING DOWN TO THE SPLIT 50 STILL CRUISING ALONG WITH JUST A LITTLE BIT OF SLOWING AROUND. WHAT? HERE’S 80 AT ANTELOPE ROAD. YOU CAN SEE THAT HEAVY TRAFFIC LEADING IN FIVE IS CLEAR. 99 THROUGH FLORIN ROAD. WE’RE SEEING SOME SLOWER TRAFFIC ON THAT SIDE NOW. JUST CONGESTION AND STOCKTON ALL CLEAR. SO 99 IN THE RED AT 20 MINUTES. I5 A 14 MINUTE RIDE. HIGHWAY 50 20 MINUTES AND 80. A 15 MINUTE RIDE FROM ROSEVILLE DOWN TO THE SPLIT. BACK TO YOU GUYS. ALL RIGHT, BRIAN, THANK YOU. OUR WEATHER COVERAGE CONTINUES. IT IS ANOTHER WET COMMUTE IN THE VALLEY. KCRA 3’S MIKE TESELLE IS ON THE ROAD AND LIVE TRACKER THREE. SO, MIKE, WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW? WELL, BEFORE WE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LOOK OUT THE WINDSHIELD. YOU CAN SEE ALL THE RAINDROPS COLLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD. OKAY, PAUL, YOU CAN HIT IT SO YOU CAN SEE AS YOU’RE DRIVING HERE ON WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 50. WE’RE GETTING ON 50 AT 65TH STREET, RIGHT TOWARDS THE MERGE POINT WHERE YOU CAN HEAD OFF TO THE CAP CITY, HEADING OUT TOWARDS CAL EXPO. YOU KNOW, SO FAR A RELATIVELY SMOOTH COMMUTE GIVEN IT IS A WET MORNING. WE’VE GOT WET ROADWAYS. YOU KNOW, YOU CAN SEE THE RAINDROPS OBSCURING THE LENS ON OUR ROOFTOP CAMERA. AND OF COURSE, ON THE ROAD WE SEE WATER SPRAYING OFF THOSE TIRES. SO AGAIN, MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU’RE DRIVING OUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE RAIN ON THE WINDSHIELD, OR ESPECIALLY SPRAY COMING UP OFF OF TRUCKS OR BUSSES LIKE THE ONE THAT’S NEXT TO US RIGHT NOW. WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 50 HEADING TOWARDS DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO. DURING THIS MORNING’S COMMUTE. THAT YOUR WET UPDATE FROM LIVE TRACKER THREE HERE IN SACRAMENTO, MIKE TESELLE KCRA THREE NEWS. MIKE, THANKS SO MUCH. LET’S GO OUT TO MELANIE WINGO. SHE IS UP I-80 NEAR DONNER SUMMIT. AND MELANIE, TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CONDITIONS THERE. OKAY, SO WE’RE ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF INTERSTATE 80. AND FROM THIS VANTAGE POINT, WE CAN SEE THE INCIDENT THAT BRIAN HICKEY WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT IN THE EASTBOUND LANES. AND IF YOU TUNE IN TO THE DIRECTION THAT TRUCK IS FACING. YEAH, THAT TRUCK IS FACING WEST, AND IT IS IN THE EASTBOUND LANES. SO OBVIOUSLY NOT A GOOD SITUATION OUT HERE. THEY ARE HOLDING TRAFFIC AT KINGVALE BECAUSE OF THIS CRASH. A TOW TRUCK ACCORDING TO BRIAN HICKEY, IS COMING IN FROM SPARKS NEVADA. SO IT’S GOING TO BE A BIT BEFORE THIS IS ALL CLEARED. AND TYPICALLY WHEN YOU HAVE CARS, TRUCKS DRIVING PAST AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS, YOU HAVE SNOW ON THE ROADWAY, SNOW COMING DOWN. IT DOES NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR CALTRANS AND CHP TO CLEAR A SCENE LIKE THIS, UNLESS THEY CLOSE THE ROAD AND KEEP CARS BACK FROM THE INCIDENT SCENE. SO THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE GOING TO BE DOING HERE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR DRIVERS WHO ARE STOPPED AT KINGVALE? WELL, IT IS A GOOD REMINDER TO BE PREPARED FOR WINTER LIKE DRIVING CONDITIONS ALL THROUGHOUT THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS. HAVE THOSE SUPPLIES WITH YOU, BLANKETS, A FULL TANK OF GAS, SOME FOOD, SNACKS, WATER, THAT KIND OF THING IN CASE YOU GET STUCK HELD BACK AS ROAD CREWS CLEAR AN INCIDENT JUST LIKE THIS. THIS IS JUST A PRECURSOR TO WHAT WE SEE ALL THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. BIG RIGS, CARS LOST CONTROL, PERHAPS, AND THEN OFF ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND ROAD. EMERGENCY CREWS HAVE TO DO THEIR PART TO CLEAR IT BEFORE THEY CAN HAVE REGULAR TRAFFIC COME THROUGH. SO THIS IS JUST ONE INCIDENT THAT WE SAW TODAY. THERE WAS ANOTHER ONE EARLIER THIS MORNING IN THE WESTBOUND LANES THAT HAS SINCE BEEN CLEARED. NO ESTIMATE AS TO WHEN THIS PARTICULAR CRASH IS GOING TO BE CLEARED. AS WE DROVE BY IN LIVE TRACKER THREE, IN THE EASTBOUND LANES, WE DID NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER APPEARED TO BE OKAY. THAT DRIVER ALERT AND UP AND IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THAT CAB. SO IT DOESN’T APPEAR THAT THERE ARE ANY INJURIES RELATED TO THIS CRASH. WE’LL KEEP ON TOP OF THE DEVELOPMENTS OUT HERE.
Light rain and snow led to wet roads for the Valley and Foothills on Thursday morning, with chain controls currently in the Sierra. Thursday is a KCRA 3 weather Impact Day because of the potential for minor delays during the morning hours.Valley rainfall will be steadiest between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Thursday. A couple of showers are possible in the afternoon, but many places will be dry after 12 p.m. The Sacramento Valley will see between a quarter and a half inch of new rainfall. The Foothills will hang onto light rain and drizzle through at least midday Thursday. Up to an inch of rain is possible in Grass Valley and other communities north of Interstate 80. Areas south of Highway 50 could see up to a half-inch of rain. Snow will start falling before sunrise in the Sierra with the snow level around 5,500 feet on I-80. Accumulation will be steadiest before 10 am. Donner Summit will see 3 to 6 inches of snow. Echo Summit will see 1 to 3 inches. Ebbetts and Sonora Pass could see closer to 10 inches of snow throughout the day Thursday.When enough snow falls, chain controls are likely, reducing to speed limit on I-80 to 30 mph and 25 mph on Highway 50.Sierra chain controls, live road updates Everywhere in Northern California will be dry Thursday evening. A stretch of dry weather will take us through the Thanksgiving holiday.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.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. —
Light rain and snow led to wet roads for the Valley and Foothills on Thursday morning, with chain controls currently in the Sierra.
Thursday is a KCRA 3 weather Impact Day because of the potential for minor delays during the morning hours.
Valley rainfall will be steadiest between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Thursday. A couple of showers are possible in the afternoon, but many places will be dry after 12 p.m. The Sacramento Valley will see between a quarter and a half inch of new rainfall.
Hearst Owned
The Sacramento Valley will see between a quarter and a half inch of new rainfall Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
The Foothills will hang onto light rain and drizzle through at least midday Thursday. Up to an inch of rain is possible in Grass Valley and other communities north of Interstate 80. Areas south of Highway 50 could see up to a half-inch of rain.
Snow will start falling before sunrise in the Sierra with the snow level around 5,500 feet on I-80. Accumulation will be steadiest before 10 am.
Donner Summit will see 3 to 6 inches of snow. Echo Summit will see 1 to 3 inches. Ebbetts and Sonora Pass could see closer to 10 inches of snow throughout the day Thursday.
Hearst Owned
Several inches of snow will accumulate over the Tahoe area summits Wednesday night into Thursday. There will likely be enough snow for chain controls.
When enough snow falls, chain controls are likely, reducing to speed limit on I-80 to 30 mph and 25 mph on Highway 50.
Sierra chain controls, live road updates
7:38 a.m.: Traffic is being held on I-80 at Kingvale after a big rig crash on eastbound lanes near Donner Summit. There is no estimated time for releasing traffic. See road conditions here.
6:30 a.m.: Chains are required along eastbound Interstate 80 for all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped from Kingvale to the Donner Lake Interchange.
For westbound lanes, chains are required for all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped from the Donner Lake Interchange to 2.5 miles east of the Highway 20 junction.
Along Highway 50, chains are required for all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped from three miles east of Kyburz to Meyers.
Everywhere in Northern California will be dry Thursday evening. A stretch of dry weather will take us through the Thanksgiving holiday.
The D.C. area is in for an average to below-average winter of snowfall and slightly milder temperatures than normal, according to the winter forecast from 7News.
D.C. and its close-in suburbs are projected to get about 10 to 15 inches of snow, with more snow possible in Southern Maryland and farther north and west of D.C. (Courtesy 7News First Alert Weather Center)
The D.C. area is in for an average to below-average winter of snowfall and just slightly milder temperatures than normal, according to the winter forecast from WTOP’s partners in the 7News First Alert Weather Center.
The seasonal average snowfall in D.C. is 13.7 inches, and First Alert Weather is forecasting between 10 and 15 inches for the District and the close-in suburbs.
A bit farther north and west, in places such as Frederick, Maryland, and Leesburg, Virginia, First Alert Weather is anticipating between 15-20 inches of snowfall. The forecast also projects 15-20 inches for Southern Maryland.
The slightly below-average projection is driven by La Niña, which can also make things hard to predict in the mid-Atlantic region. The La Niña pattern typically affects the jet stream in a way that leads to more precipitation in northern parts of the U.S. and warmer and drier conditions in the South.
But that’s not always the case, and D.C. is positioned right in the middle.
La Niña’s weather pattern typically means more precipitation in northern regions of the U.S., and warmer and drier conditions in the South — but not always. (Courtesy 7News First Alert Weather Center)
Just last winter, with a La Niña pattern in effect, D.C. got an above-average 14.9 inches of snow.
“It doesn’t take very much in terms of fluctuation of weather patterns, a jet stream that’s maybe a little more south of there, to give us that wet weather. And what we’re looking at then this year … is going with conditions that were similar to last year,” 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.
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Winter forecast is here: How much snow will fall this winter in the DC area?
As was the case last winter, it only takes one big storm to drastically change D.C.’s snowfall totals.
So when might that happen? Johnson said don’t hold your breath for a white Christmas, though there could be a smattering of snow.
The First Alert Weather Center is forecasting 2-3 inches of snow for the month of December, which historically sees less snowfall in the mid-Atlantic.
The main event may come in January, as it did last year when a storm during the first full week of the new year dumped up to 10 inches in parts of the D.C. region.
“Coastal storms during this time could give us all of that in one big storm. So it’s really something that we’re going to have to watch, especially with the position of the jet stream,” Johnson said. “But if that jet (stream) comes in and hugs the coast, and you’ve got some coastal storms that are tracking right along it up the coast, that could be your 5-10 inches in one storm during the month of January. And I do think that it’s still going to be active during the month of February.”
Johnson said her team is projecting 3-7 inches of snowfall in February.
“It’s a pattern that fits kind of a slow start, but a pretty good finish,” she said.
As far as temperatures, the First Alert Weather Center said it may shape up to be a slightly milder winter than normal. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be cold snaps.
Temperatures are projected to be just above normal this winter. (Courtesy 7News First Alert Weather Center)
“All it takes is these cold stretches during the winter,” Johnson said. “Overall, the temperatures can average out slightly higher, but with a couple of cold stretches embedded during the month of January and February, we can get that snowfall.”
And if La Niña neutralizes toward the end of winter, that could mean more precipitation during the month of February.
“The other thing we’re going to have to watch this winter too is the potential to get some storms, unlike last year, that have a bit more freezing rain at the beginning or at the tail end,” Johnson said.
While there’s plenty of data to provide a road map, Johnson pointed out that forecasting is not an exact science and winter can be full of surprises.
“If there was some magical ball that we could look at to come up with a forecast, boy, I sure would be using that to win the lottery,” she said. “So it is not set in stone. I would say at this point, it’s a forecast, it’s somewhere around 65% to 70% confidence factor in it with a winter that has yet to start.”
Meteorological winter begins Dec. 1.
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Northern California will see another round of rain and snow Monday, following a previous weather system that soaked the region.The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Impact Day on Monday because of how wet conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel. Damp roads can lead to slicker conditions, and motorists should consider driving more slowly to account for traction. In the Sierra, enough snow can result in chain controls. When those are in effect, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is 30 mph. Along Highway 50, it is 25 mph.RainMeteorologist Tamara Berg said moderate-to-heavy rain fell across the Sacramento Valley through about 6 a.m. For the rest of the day, rain showers will taper.Steady, moderate rain is expected to continue in the Foothills through the day, and isolated thunderstorms are possible through sunset.Berg said the Valley can expect anywhere from a quarter-inch to an inch of rain, while the Foothills could see 1 to 2 inches of rain. SnowThe Sierra will see snow levels around the 6,000-foot elevation mark. Levels may drop overnight and into early Tuesday.Berg said the passes could see 3 to 10 inches of snow, while the Lake Tahoe level will likely be around 1 to 2 inches. Elevations above 8,000 feet could range from 8 to 18 inches.By Tuesday, conditions should clear out.Another round of rain and snow is possible Thursday.Sacramento rain totalsFollowing this past weekend’s weather system, below are the preliminary rain totals as of 6 a.m. Nov. 17.Sacramento Executive Airport: 0.96 inchesStockton: 2.52 inchesModesto: 1.62 inchesMarysville: 0.75 inchesAuburn: 1.07 inchesPlacerville: 1.43 inchesREAL-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.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. —
Northern California will see another round of rain and snow Monday, following a previous weather system that soaked the region.
The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Impact Day on Monday because of how wet conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel.
Damp roads can lead to slicker conditions, and motorists should consider driving more slowly to account for traction. In the Sierra, enough snow can result in chain controls. When those are in effect, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is 30 mph. Along Highway 50, it is 25 mph.
Rain
Meteorologist Tamara Berg said moderate-to-heavy rain fell across the Sacramento Valley through about 6 a.m. For the rest of the day, rain showers will taper.
Steady, moderate rain is expected to continue in the Foothills through the day, and isolated thunderstorms are possible through sunset.
Berg said the Valley can expect anywhere from a quarter-inch to an inch of rain, while the Foothills could see 1 to 2 inches of rain.
Snow
The Sierra will see snow levels around the 6,000-foot elevation mark. Levels may drop overnight and into early Tuesday.
Berg said the passes could see 3 to 10 inches of snow, while the Lake Tahoe level will likely be around 1 to 2 inches. Elevations above 8,000 feet could range from 8 to 18 inches.
By Tuesday, conditions should clear out.
Another round of rain and snow is possible Thursday.
Sacramento rain totals
Following this past weekend’s weather system, below are the preliminary rain totals as of 6 a.m. Nov. 17.
LET’S GO NOW TO LIVE TRACKER THREE ON THE ROADS THIS MORNING. KCRA 3’S ERIN HEFT IS IN KINGVALE THIS MORNING. AND ERIN, YOU’RE REALLY SEEING THE SNOW THIS MORNING. YES WE ARE. WE ACTUALLY HOPPED OUT OF LIVE TRACKER THREE BECAUSE. SO INTERESTING. WE HAVE CHAIN CONTROLS IN EFFECT. THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING AT DOWN THE WAY A LOT OF SEMI TRUCKS PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE 80. LIKE YOU SAID, WE’RE IN KINGVALE. IT’S A VERY SHORT STRETCH OF CHAIN CONTROL. BUT JUST BE AWARE IT IS IN EFFECT. AND ALSO IF YOU’RE SOMEONE WHO HAS ALL OF THE TREAD ON YOUR TIRES AND EVERYTHING APPROPRIATE, MAYBE YOU DON’T NEED CHAINS BECAUSE YOU HAVE THOSE APPROPRIATE TIRES OR YOU PUT THEM ON YOURSELF. CHAINS. THAT IS GREAT. BUT ALSO JUST KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE CHAIN INSTALLERS THAT DO THIS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT OF EVERY SINGLE YEAR, AND YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE PRECAUTION BECAUSE THEY’RE OUT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WE ACTUALLY TALKED TO CHRIS LOTITO. HE’S BEEN DOING THIS FOR 50. YES, FIVE ZERO YEARS. HE’S 70 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. TAKE A LISTEN TO HIS ADVICE. YOU ENTER A CHAIN CONTROL AREA. LEGALLY, THE SPEED LIMIT IS 30 MILES AN HOUR. WE RECOMMEND 2530, TOPS. CHAINS AREN’T MADE TO GO ANY FASTER ANYWAY, AND IT’S NOT SO MUCH HOW FAST YOU CAN GO. IT’S HOW QUICK YOU CAN STOP. SO THE SLOWER YOU GO, THE EASIER IT IS TO STOP AND AVOID COLLISIONS. YEP, HE’S PREACHING SAFETY, WHICH SHOULD BE EVERYONE’S TOP OF MIND. THAT IS OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR. DON’T BE SOMEONE WHO’S SPEEDING THROUGH THIS ZONE, BECAUSE IF I WALK SLOWLY, YOU’LL SEE YOU’RE GOING TO MEET CALTRANS. AND YOU’RE ALSO GOING TO MEET CHP UP HERE. AND THEY’RE GOING TO ALSO BE MAKING SURE THAT YOU’RE TAKING PRECAUTION. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CHAINS. YOU ARE ONLY GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR OR LOWER. AND THEY’LL ALSO BE THE PEOPLE TO RESPOND IF YOU SPIN OUT OR HAVE A CAR CRASH. SO PLEASE JUST KEEP TAKING PRECAUTION. AND ALSO, CHRIS WENT ON TO SAY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE WATER IN THE CAR, THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING IN THE CAR, AND PATIENCE, BECAUSE SOMETIMES INTERSTATE 80 DOES SHUT DOWN, HAVE GLOVES, HAVE THE RIGHT SHOES. DON’T BE US. TODAY WE THOUGHT WE MIGHT BE IN VALLEY RAIN. SIKE! WE’RE IN SIERRA SNOW AND THAT IS SOMETHING. JUST TO KEEP IN MIND. LIFE AND THINGS CHANGE. LETICIA. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. SAY HI TO CHRIS. HE’S BEEN
Chain controls return to Sierra as Sunday morning snow slows I-80
Veteran chain installer shares safety tips as Caltrans checks cars snowfall blankets the summit before ski season.
On a KCRA3 Weather Impact Day in the Sierra, chain controls greeted drivers before dawn over the Interstate 80 summit, slowing traffic as snow tucked the mountains in ahead of Thanksgiving.“I coined the term: make sure you bring your patience. You’ll need it,” said Chris Lotito, who has spent 50 years installing chains on the side of the interstate. His advice for winter travel is simple and strict: “Always bring your chains with you, always make sure you have a full tank of gas, because sometimes the road may be closed for a little while and you want to stay warm, bring a blanket or two and always bring water.”Caltrans crews were out checking for chains, tires, and four-wheel drive as ice and snow covered the roadway. In chain control areas, the speed limit is 30 mph. “We recommend 25–30 tops,” Lotito said. “Chains are not made to go any faster anyway, and it’s not so much how fast you can go, it’s how quick you can stop. So the slower you go, the easier it is to stop and avoid collisions.”Some drivers were caught off guard by the early blast. “I just came from Sacramento, so I was just coming to visit some friends,” said Alvin Ho, behind the wheel of his Prius Sunday morning. “They told me to expect it, but I’ve never really driven in snow, so this is my first time.”Lotito noted that traffic remains manageable for now, but that won’t last. “It’s a little early for heavy traffic because the ski resorts aren’t open yet. Once they open, this road turns into a nightmare as far as waiting and waiting and waiting.”For now, the message is to prepare, slow down and take in the view. “Just be careful up here, look how beautiful it is before Thanksgiving,” Lotito said.Here’s what drivers should bring:Tire chains and know-how to install themFull tank of gasBlankets and warm clothingWater and basic suppliesExtra time and patienceSee more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
KINGVALE, Calif. —
On a KCRA3 Weather Impact Day in the Sierra, chain controls greeted drivers before dawn over the Interstate 80 summit, slowing traffic as snow tucked the mountains in ahead of Thanksgiving.
“I coined the term: make sure you bring your patience. You’ll need it,” said Chris Lotito, who has spent 50 years installing chains on the side of the interstate.
His advice for winter travel is simple and strict: “Always bring your chains with you, always make sure you have a full tank of gas, because sometimes the road may be closed for a little while and you want to stay warm, bring a blanket or two and always bring water.”
Caltrans crews were out checking for chains, tires, and four-wheel drive as ice and snow covered the roadway. In chain control areas, the speed limit is 30 mph.
“We recommend 25–30 tops,” Lotito said. “Chains are not made to go any faster anyway, and it’s not so much how fast you can go, it’s how quick you can stop. So the slower you go, the easier it is to stop and avoid collisions.”
Some drivers were caught off guard by the early blast.
“I just came from Sacramento, so I was just coming to visit some friends,” said Alvin Ho, behind the wheel of his Prius Sunday morning. “They told me to expect it, but I’ve never really driven in snow, so this is my first time.”
Lotito noted that traffic remains manageable for now, but that won’t last
. “It’s a little early for heavy traffic because the ski resorts aren’t open yet. Once they open, this road turns into a nightmare as far as waiting and waiting and waiting.”
For now, the message is to prepare, slow down and take in the view. “Just be careful up here, look how beautiful it is before Thanksgiving,” Lotito said.
How to track Doppler radar, traffic and rain totals for California storm
Follow the storm with interactive radar and see the latest traffic conditions and rain totals.
TIME RIGHT NOW IS 7 A.M. TODAY IS ALSO A WEATHER IMPACT DAY, AND HERE’S A LIVE LOOK FROM SACRAMENTO, RANCHO CORDOVA AND STOCKTON WHERE RAIN IS COMING DOWN RIGHT NOW. IT ALL STARTED EARLY THIS MORNING AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGHOUT THE DAY. HEADING INTO THE WEEK, LET’S GET WEATHER CHECK NOW WITH METEOROLOGIST KELLY CURRAN. YEAH, THAT RAIN HAS BEEN COMING DOWN THROUGHOUT MUCH OF THE OVERNIGHT HOURS, ESPECIALLY AROUND MODESTO, PICKING UP MORE THAN THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT. AND IT’S BEEN RAINING EVER SINCE. NOW THIS IS A LIVE LOOK OUTSIDE IN RANCHO CORDOVA, WHERE NOT ONLY ARE WE DEALING WITH THOSE SCATTERED SHOWERS, WE’RE ALSO DEALING WITH SOME AREAS OF PATCHY MORNING FOG. WE’RE GOING TO SEE SCATTERED SHOWERS ON AND OFF THROUGHOUT THE DAY TODAY. BUT THEN A SECOND STORM ARRIVES TONIGHT, BRINGING IN EVEN HEAVIER BAND OF SHOWERS. AND THEN ON TOP OF ALL THAT, WE’RE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH SNOW SHOWERS IN THE SIERRA, WHICH WILL LIKELY PROMPT CHAIN CONTROLS. WE ALREADY HAVE A FEW OUT THERE, BUT MORE WILL LIKELY BE HAPPENING, ESPECIALLY AS THAT SNOW LEVEL CONTINUES TO DROP. SO LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE RADAR FIRST. AND YOU CAN SEE FROM I-5 EASTWARD. THAT’S WHERE WE’RE REALLY CONTINUING TO SEE THOSE RAIN SHOWERS. NOW YUBA CITY STARTING TO DRY OUT NOW. STILL A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS AROUND CHICO SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN AREA. THE SHOWERS ARE STARTING TO LET UP, BUT WE’RE STILL SEEING MORE FURTHER TO THE EAST. AUBURN GRASS VALLEY LIGHT RAIN SHOWERS, DONNER SUMMIT SEEING SNOW AND POLLOCK PINES. WE HAVE SOME MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN COMING DOWN, INDICATED BY THOSE SHADES OF YELLOW HEADING FURTHER TO THE SOUTH AROUND STOCKTON WE’RE SEEING LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN SHOWERS. SAME AROUND GALT. MODESTO CONTINUES TO SEE THAT LIGHT RAIN, AND THEN YOU CAN SEE HERE FROM SNELLING ALL THE WAY UP THROUGH SONORA AND ARNOLD UP TOWARD 88. THAT’S WHERE WE’RE SEEING THAT BAND OF YELLOW INDICATING AGAIN, THE MORE MODERATE SHOWER ACTIVITY. AND THIS IS MOVING ITS WAY EASTWARD. WE’LL BE SWITCHING OVER TO SNOW AS IT GOES UP IN ELEVATION. SACRAMENTO 56 DEGREES. THAT’S THE CURRENT TEMPERATURE. WE’RE AT 52 IN AUBURN. TRUCKEE 36. AND THESE TEMPERATURES ARE NOT GOING TO BE WARMING UP MUCH TODAY. WINDS AT THE MOMENT NOT TOO STRONG, BUT THEY HAVE SWITCHED DIRECTIONS. SO THEY’RE OUT OF THE SOUTH. WE’RE GOING TO SEE EVEN STRONGER WINDS AS WE GET INTO THE EVENING HOURS. HIGHS TODAY. WE’RE ONLY GOING TO MAKE IT INTO THE UPPER 50 IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA. WE’RE GOING TO BE TALKING MORE ABOUT THAT COMING UP IN ABOUT TEN MINUTES. KELLY, THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND LET’S GET A CHECK RIGHT NOW. OUTSIDE LIVE TRACKER THREE ON THE ROADS THIS MORNING IN KCRA 3’S. ERIN HEFT IS LIVE IN PLACER COUNTY. AND AARON WHAT ARE YOU SEEING RIGHT NOW? OH, IT IS SLICK THIS MORNING, LETICIA. AND VERY MUCH CHANGING CONDITIONS AS WE GET HIGHER IN ELEVATION. SO LET ME SHOW YOU OUTSIDE OF OUR WINDSHIELD. THIS THE CAMERA THAT’S STILL INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A SHOT OF THE ROAD SO YOU CAN SEE LOTS OF WATER KICKING UP OFF OF THE INTERSTATE RIGHT NOW. AND THEN OUR ROOF CAMERA, WHICH IS THE CAMERA LOCATED ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE, YOU CAN SEE QUITE DAMP OUT THERE. SO THINGS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF IS THAT YES, IT IS VERY WET, SPECIFICALLY THROUGH PLACER COUNTY AS WE’VE LEFT SACRAMENTO AND NOW PAST BAXTER AND ARE MAKING OUR WAY EVEN HIGHER. STILL VERY WET. SO NOTHING THAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT BEING SLICK FOR ANY ICY REASONS, BUT THAT CHANGES WHEN IT COMES TO KINGVALE BECAUSE KINGVALE THERE ARE TWO LEVEL CHAIN RESTRICTIONS RIGHT NOW, SO JUST BE AWARE THAT THESE ROADS GET A LITTLE SLICK UP THERE. IT’S A VERY SHORT AREA THAT’S IN CHAIN RESTRICTIONS AND CHAIN CONTROLS, BUT THERE ARE SNOWPLOWS OUT. AND FOR MORE SPECIFIC AREA OF THAT, THAT WOULD BE FROM KINGVALE TO AROUND THE DONNER LAKE AREA. SO THAT’S WHERE THE R2 CHAIN CONTROLS ARE. THAT’S WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE TOW TRUCK EXCUSE ME, SNOWPLOWS ARE AT THE MOMENT. SO THAT GIVES US AN INDICATOR THAT THAT’S THE AREA THAT’S MOST SLICK. BUT PLEASE BE AWARE IF YOU’RE WORKING YOUR WAY UP INTERSTATE 80, JUST BE PREPARED. IT’S THAT KIND OF SEASON WHERE YOU NEED TO HAVE CHAINS IN YOUR VEHICLE, OR YOU HAVE TO HAVE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON WHERE INTERSTATE 80 GETS A LITTLE DICEY. JUST BE PREPARED. LETICIA. THINGS CHANGING INDEED. ERIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LIVE REPORT. WE’LL CHECK BACK IN WITH YOU. AND REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALWAYS GET THE LATEST WEATHER UPDATES BY DOWNLOADING THE KCRA 3 APP.
How to track Doppler radar, traffic and rain totals for California storm
Follow the storm with interactive radar and see the latest traffic conditions and rain totals.
KCRA 3’s weather team issued Impact Days for Sunday and Monday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra. See the latest forecast here. Share your weather photos and videos at kcra.com/upload.Below are resources to find live, interactive radar and traffic maps on KCRA.com to help keep you prepared. You can also see the latest rain totals below. Download our app for the latest breaking news and severe weather alertsHere is where you can download our app for the latest weather alerts.Track real-time traffic updates in Northern CaliforniaClick here to see our interactive traffic map.Track California Doppler radar Click here to see our interactive radar map.)Track California highway road conditions hereHere is where you can search Caltrans road conditions by highway and see if chain controls are in effect. Track the rain totals below Here are key websites to prepare for and track California power outages.Preparing for power outages: Ready.gov explains how to prepare for a power outage and what to do when returning from one here.Keeping informed when you’ve lost power and cellphone service: How to find a National Weather Service radio station near you.Here is how to sign up for CalAlerts emergency alert notifications for any county in California.Track PG&E power outages here. Track SMUD outages here. Track power outages across all California counties. Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook, Instagram and X. Meteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X, Facebook and Instagram.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook, X and Instagram. 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. See more coverage of top California stories here | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
KCRA 3’s weather team issued Impact Days for Sunday and Monday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra.
Below are resources to find live, interactive radar and traffic maps on KCRA.com to help keep you prepared. You can also see the latest rain totals below.
Download our app for the latest breaking news and severe weather alerts
Northern California forecast: Few showers linger Friday
Friday morning starts damp, with drizzle in the valley and scattered showers across the western foothills and the western slopes of the Sierra.
DROP OFF A BIRD IF YOU CAN. OR OF COURSE, ANY OF THE KIND OF CONDIMENTS OR THINGS THAT GO ALONG WITH IT, OR A CASH DONATIONS. ALSO A GREAT THING. HERE’S A LIVE LOOK OUTSIDE FROM STOCKTON WHERE WE HAVE STILL SOME CLOUD COVER. EXTENDING TEMPERATURES ARE IN THE UPPER 50S AS A RESULT OF SOME OF THE CLOUDS. 37 RIGHT NOW IN LAKE TAHOE, WHERE AGAIN, WE’VE BEEN SEEING SOME OF THOSE MORE INTERMITTENT BANDS OF RAIN. YESTERDAY MORNING WAS TALKING ABOUT THAT WIND THAT WAS RAMPING UP AT THIS TIME OF THE DAY. NOW WE’VE GOT PRETTY MUCH LIGHT WINDS OUT OF THE EAST AT 12 IN PLACERVILLE LIGHT NORTH FLOW COMING ACROSS YUBA CITY AT JUST THREE MILES PER HOUR. EXPECT THE WINDS ARE GOING TO PLAY PRETTY NICELY FOR THE DAY AHEAD. NOT REALLY DISRUPTING ANY PLANS THAT YOU MAY HAVE OUTDOORS. WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW IS THE SHOWERS. JUST KIND OF BRUSHING UP FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH AS THERE’S THE WEATHER SYSTEM THAT BROUGHT US THE DELIVERY OF REALLY THIS GOOD PUSH OF RAIN YESTERDAY, AND SNOW IS NOW MOVING TO THE SOUTH. SO THE WRAPAROUND MOISTURE IS WHAT WE WOULD SEE DURING THE DAY TODAY. AND THAT COULD TRIGGER A COUPLE OF SHOWERS, ESPECIALLY BY LUNCHTIME IN THE FOOTHILLS. AND THEN NOTICE AS WE GET INTO THE DAYTIME SATURDAY, WE’RE GOING TO ALSO SEE PLENTY OF DRY TIME DURING THE DAY SATURDAY WITH SOME RAIN SHOWERS IN THE QUEUE THERE ACROSS PARTS OF THE SIERRA. AND THEN AS WE GET INTO SATURDAY AFTERNOON, A CHANCE THAT WE COULD SEE SOME OF THIS MOISTURE POOL AS FAR NORTH INTO AREAS LIKE MODESTO. ALSO AROUND PATTERSON, AND ALSO AROUND TRACY IS WHERE WE MAY SEE THE EXTENT THERE OF SOME OF THOSE RAIN BANDS. NOW, ONCE WE GET INTO THE OVERNIGHT SATURDAY, THAT’S WHEN WE START TO SEE A BIT MORE OF THIS PUSH. AS THIS SYSTEM CONTINUES TO WOBBLE A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THE NORTH. SO THIS IS GOING TO BE SUNDAY, 2 A.M. IT’S GOING TO BE RAINING PRETTY GOOD HERE IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY. AND ALSO STARTING TO SNOW IN THE SIERRA, PRIMARILY ABOVE 7000FT BEFORE DROPPING DOWN BY SUNDAY MORNING, POTENTIALLY TO AROUND 6000FT. AND THIS IS WHAT WE’RE LOOKING AT FOR SUNDAY NIGHT. ANOTHER SYSTEM TAKES AIM AT US. SO WE’VE GOT SUNDAY AND MONDAY. THOSE ARE BOTH GOING TO BE IMPACT DAYS FOR THIS RAIN MOVING IN AND SIERRA SNOW, WHICH OF COURSE COULD IMPACT TRAVEL, LOOKS LIKE THE BETTER DRIER PART OF NEXT WEEK IS TUESDAY AND EVENTUALLY INTO WEDNESDAY. THAT’S WHEN WE COULD SEE AGAIN SOME OF THE BREAK FROM THE RAIN, BUT WE’VE GOT TWO IMPACT DAYS TO GET THROUGH. SOME COOL WEATHER STICKS AROUND THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND. PLAN FOR AGAIN FOOTHILLS IN THE SIERRA TO SEE RAIN AND THEN SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS, ESPECIALLY OVERNIGHT SATURDAY AND INTO SUNDAY MORNING FOR THE VALLEY. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU. THERE WILL BE PERIODS OF RAIN IMPACTING THE WEEKEND. I DON’T THINK TOMORROW IS ONE OF THE DAYS UNLESS IT’S IN THE LATE EVENING, AND THEN AS WE GET INTO SUNDAY SUNDAY, THE FRONT HALF OF THE DAY IS PRETTY WET. MIDDLE PART OF IT LOOKS OKAY. AND THEN IN THE EVENING, OVERNIGHT SUNDAY INTO MONDAY, THE NEXT BLAST OF RAIN COMES. YOU GET HALF OF IT THOUGH THE WEEKEND TO GET STUFF DONE. SO I DON’T WANT TO CALL I
Northern California forecast: Few showers linger Friday
Friday morning starts damp, with drizzle in the valley and scattered showers across the western foothills and the western slopes of the Sierra.
Friday morning starts damp, with some sprinkles in the valley and scattered showers across the western foothills and the western slopes of the Sierra.As conditions dry through the day, valley temperatures will climb to near 63 degrees. Foothill highs will be in the upper 50s, with Sierra highs in the low 50s. Winds will remain light. By dinnertime, most of the region will be dry but mostly cloudy.The weekend looks unsettled, with breezy winds and more showers. Saturday should stay dry until dinnertime. The same system moves inland, wrapping more showers into the region overnight into Sunday. Expect a few showers Sunday, with the highest chances in the morning.Another system trails close behind, and next week will start rainy. Sunday and Monday are Impact Days for rain, breezy winds, and a better chance for snow as snow levels drop to around 5,500 feet by Monday morning. Those traveling through the Sierra this coming week should prepare for delays and chain controls.The week will also be cool, with valley highs dropping to the upper 50s. Though there is a dry window Tuesday and Wednesday, another wet system is forecast for late next week.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Friday morning starts damp, with some sprinkles in the valley and scattered showers across the western foothills and the western slopes of the Sierra.
As conditions dry through the day, valley temperatures will climb to near 63 degrees. Foothill highs will be in the upper 50s, with Sierra highs in the low 50s. Winds will remain light. By dinnertime, most of the region will be dry but mostly cloudy.
The weekend looks unsettled, with breezy winds and more showers. Saturday should stay dry until dinnertime. The same system moves inland, wrapping more showers into the region overnight into Sunday. Expect a few showers Sunday, with the highest chances in the morning.
Another system trails close behind, and next week will start rainy. Sunday and Monday are Impact Days for rain, breezy winds, and a better chance for snow as snow levels drop to around 5,500 feet by Monday morning. Those traveling through the Sierra this coming week should prepare for delays and chain controls.
The week will also be cool, with valley highs dropping to the upper 50s. Though there is a dry window Tuesday and Wednesday, another wet system is forecast for late next week.
Northern California storm forecast: Track wind speed, rain amounts for Thursday wet weather
Scroll below to our “Rain” section to find live weather updates.
LIVE AT 8 A.M. AND WE BEGIN THIS HOUR. WE HAVE A LIVE LOOK AT HIGHWAY 50 AT SOUTH RIVER ROAD. IT’S A KCRA 3 WEATHER IMPACT DAY, AND WE’VE BEEN GEARING UP FOR THIS STORM ALL WEEK. ROADS ARE ALREADY WET AND THE MORNING COMMUTE CONTINUES. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US. I’M MIKE CHERRY AND I’M DEIRDRE FITZPATRICK. AS YOU CAN SEE WE’VE GOT TEAM COVERAGE. LOTS OF PEOPLE WORKING FOR YOU THIS MORNING IN SACRAMENTO AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS AS WE ARE TRACKING BOTH RAIN AND WIND. LET’S GO RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST TAMARA BERG NOW TO GET A CHECK OF THAT FORECAST. AND THE RAIN REALLY RAMPED UP HERE WITHIN ABOUT THE LAST HOUR. YOU’LL SEE THAT DENOTED AS YOU LOOK AT THE RADAR SWEEP. AND IT GOES FROM KIND OF A GREEN COLOR WITHIN TWO HOURS AGO. TO REALLY IN THE LAST HOUR, THAT 7:00 HOUR, IT TURNS INTO THAT BRIGHTER YELLOW, INDICATING THE MORE MODERATE TO INTENSELY HEAVIER BANDS OF RAIN PUNCHING THROUGH AS I PAUSE THE FRAME. NOW TO SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE HEADING OUT TO TOP OF THE 8:00 HOUR, YOU’LL NOTICE THAT THERE ARE SOME GOOD HEAVY RAINFALL HERE AROUND MUCH OF THE GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA, AS WELL AS EXTENDING HERE IN THROUGH SONORA, WHERE THE RAIN IS REALLY STARTING TO PICK UP TO MORE OF THAT MODERATE TO MODERATELY IMPACTFUL INTENSITY THERE IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY. RAIN’S COMING DOWN PRETTY GOOD. ESPARTO INTO WOODLAND, WINTERS INTO DAVIS, SACRAMENTO, DOWNTOWN, THE METRO AREA. IT IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE SWAMPY IF YOU’RE TRYING TO TAKE OFF AND HEAD INTO DOWNTOWN FOR WORK THIS MORNING. ELK GROVE SHOWING OFF SOME PRETTY GOOD RAIN ALONG WITH GOLD RIVER AND ON UP TOWARDS CAMERON PARK. ROSEVILLE ROCKLIN LINCOLN. EXPECT SOME OF THOSE ROADWAYS TO BE PRETTY WATERLOGGED WITH LIKELY SOME AREAS OF STANDING WATER AT THIS POINT IN THE 8:00 HOUR. ALSO SEEING SOME GOOD SOAKING RAIN FROM COPPEROPOLIS IN THROUGH SONORA AND GOT YOU COVERED HERE ALONG THE 108 STRETCH. RIVERBANK AND MODESTO STARTING TO SEE THE RAIN EASE, BUT HICKMAN AND TURLOCK, IT’S REALLY COMING DOWN, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HIGHWAY. 132 INTO COULTERVILLE AND HIGHWAY 120 AS WELL. THREE THINGS TO KNOW FOR THE DAY AHEAD. LET ME GET YOU A CAMERA BEHIND ME SO YOU CAN SEE. OH, THAT ONE’S PRETTY MUCH FOGGED IN. HERE’S DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPE FOR YOU. YOU’LL NOTICE THAT THE MORNING COMMUTE IS FILLED WITH STEADY RAIN AND PERIODS OF GUSTY WINDS. IT’S GOING TO BE SOGGY LATER IN THE AFTERNOON WITH PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN, AND THEN INCHING OUR WAY INTO THE WEEKEND. I WANT YOU TO PLAN FOR PERIODS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER. IT’S NOT GOING TO BE A COMPLETE BUST OF A WEEKEND BY ANY MEANS WITH A STRONG STORM, BUT THERE WILL BE SOME SHOWERS INTERMITTENTLY INTO YOUR WEEKEND. OUTDOOR PLANS FOR TODAY. PLAN FOR A WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS IN THE VALLEY AND THE FOOTHILLS AND IN THE SIERRA. IT’S PRETTY MUCH GOING TO BE RAIN ALL DAY TODAY AND GUSTY WINDS. THE SNOW NOT ARRIVING LIKELY UNTIL OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. COMING UP HERE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MINUTES, I’LL BREAK DOWN THE TIMING WITH FUTURECAST AND SHOW YOU HOW MUCH RAIN WE COULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE WHEN THE DAY IS SAID AND DONE AGAIN. THAT’S COMING UP IN TEN MINUTES. RIGHT NOW IT’S 802 WITH THE WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS ON THE ROADS. BRIAN, THERE ARE ISSUES. THERE ARE, AND I’LL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW FOR EACH TRAFFIC INCIDENT THAT I’M MENTIONING, THERE’S 2 TO 3 MORE THAT I’M NOT MENTIONING. THIS TIME ALLOWS. THIS IS A LOOK AT INTERSTATE 80 AS YOU’RE MAKING YOUR WAY OVER TOWARDS HIGHWAY 50. THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE AN OVERTURNED BIG RIG BLOCKING THE TRANSITION RAMP. MIKE TESELLE JUST ARRIVED IN THAT AREA AND HAS A LIVE PICTURE AND REPORT FROM THAT AREA. MIKE. YEAH, AND BRIAN, WE’RE REALLY HERE TO GIVE YOU A VISUAL OF WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT. WE’RE ALONG WEST CAPITOL. AS YOU LOOK UP. THAT IS THAT TRANSITION FROM 80 OVER TOWARDS EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 50. THIS SPOT IS ALMOST EXACTLY THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE FROM REID AVENUE. SO THAT BACKUP IS SIGNIFICANT TRYING TO GET HERE. THIS IS THAT ELEVATED PORTION THAT COMES UP OVER AND THEN CONNECTS BACK WITH HIGHWAY 50. YOU CAN SEE ALL THE FLASHING LIGHTS AND THE CREWS THAT ARE ON SCENE HERE WORKING TO UPRIGHT AND THEN MOVE THAT BIG RIG. BUT THIS IS THAT ACCIDENT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT, BRIAN. THESE ARE THE EYES WE HAVE ON IT HERE FROM THE GROUND FOR THIS, YOU KNOW, BIG RIG CRASH THAT, AS YOU MENTIONED, JUST ONE OF MULTIPLE INCIDENTS THAT CONTINUE TO KEEP HAPPENING. SO I’M GOING TO GET RIGHT BACK TO YOU TO CONTINUE WITH THAT TRAFFIC COVERAGE. ALL RIGHT, MIKE, THANKS FOR THE LIVE PICTURE FROM THAT AREA. AND AS MIKE INDICATED, IT IS BACKING UP TRAFFIC ACROSS THE BRIGHT BEND BRIDGE ON WESTBOUND 80. YOU CAN GET OVER TO THE CAUSEWAY FROM THERE, BUT IT’S THE TRANSITION RAMP TO EASTBOUND 50 WHERE YOU SEE PURPLE HERE. THAT’S THE AREA THAT’S CLOSED. THIS WAS A BIG RIG AND A CAR INVOLVED IN A COLLISION THERE. BIG DELAYS. WESTBOUND 80. AS YOU’RE COMING DOWN TO THE SPLIT. ONE OF THOSE DELAYS WAS CAUSED BY A CRASH THAT WAS RIGHT NEAR RALEY BOULEVARD. THEY’VE MOVED THAT OVER TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER. IN FACT, THEY ACTUALLY JUST TOOK THOSE VEHICLES OFF AT NORWOOD. SO THAT’S NOW CLEAR. BUT THE DAMAGE DONE, YOU CAN STILL SEE SPEEDS DOWN INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS, NOT ONLY WESTBOUND BUT EASTBOUND AS WELL. 99 NORTHBOUND COMING UP THROUGH MACK ROAD. SLOW TRAFFIC HERE. AS YOU CAN SEE THAT IS GOING TO SLOW PEOPLE DOWN. COMING IN FROM ELK GROVE AND I-5 ALSO DELAYED THERE. 80 A 29 MINUTE RIDE, 50 TO 26 MINUTE RIDE 99 ALSO IN THE RED AT 26 MINUTES, AND I-5, A 20 MINUTE RIDE. THERE’S ALSO A CRASH NEAR 80 IN GREENBACK, WHERE THERE’S AN OVERTURNED VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER THERE AS WELL. SO IF YOU’RE HEADING OUT, USE CAUTION ON THESE WET AND SLICK ROADS. ALL RIGHT, BRIAN, SOME GOOD ADVICE THIS MORNING, ESPECIALLY ON THIS KCRA 3 WEATHER IMPACT. YEAH, IT’S JUST GOING TO BE A ROUGH COMMUTE NO MATTER WHERE YOU’RE GOING. WE’VE GOT METEOROLOGIST OPHELIA YOUNG IN LIVE TRACKER THREE RIGHT NOW. SO WHERE ARE YOU AT THIS POINT? YES. SO I AM STILL ON I-5. I’M HEADED SOUTH THIS TIME JUST PAST THE AIRPORT WE ARE PASSING, I BELIEVE ARENA RIGHT NOW, HEADED DOWNTOWN. LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I’M SEEING. JUST HIT TRAFFIC NOW. THE RAIN HAS SUBSIDED A LITTLE BIT, BUT IN OUR THREE HOURS OF DRIVING, THIS AREA IS WHERE I SAW THE HEAVIEST RAIN. NOW EARLIER, MY EARPIECE DID DIE, I DID. WE DID PULL OVER SO WE COULD CHARGE THE EARPIECE. AND I’LL TELL YOU, IT IS GUSTY OUT HERE, EVEN THOUGH THE RAIN HAS SUBSIDED A BIT. JUST WALKING AROUND OUTSIDE THAT RAIN IS HITTING YOUR FACE PRETTY GOOD. SO A LITTLE GUSTY. AND EVEN THOUGH THE WIND HAS SUBSIDED, IT’S STILL FEELING REALLY, REALLY WET. BUT RIGHT NOW WE ARE STILL GOING SOUTH. SLOW. AND WHENEVER WE ARE GOING FASTER, THOSE PASSING VEHICLES CAN CERTAINLY PICK UP A LOT OF SPRAY IMPACTING VISIBILITY. NOW, THE HEAVIEST OF THIS RAIN IS COINCIDING WITH THE MORNING RUSH. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT IS COMING DOWN IN GOOD INCREMENTS. SO A LITTLE PONDING, BUT NOT TOO MUCH. AND HERE’S SOME BETTER NEWS IS IF YOU HAVE AN AFTERNOON COMMUTE, THOSE SHOWERS SHOULD BE LIGHTER AND MORE SCATTERED. BUT NO MATTER WHAT TIME YOU ARE LEAVING, ALWAYS GOOD TODAY TO LEAVE A FEW MINUTES EARLIER. DRIVE A LITTLE BIT SLOWER AND WE’LL ALL GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE. SAFELY BACK TO YOU GUYS IN THE STUDIO. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. SO YOLO COUNTY CERTAINLY FEELING THE IMPACTS OF TODAY’S STORM AS WELL. LET’S GET TO KCRA 3’S ERIN HEFT THIS MORNING. YEAH. GOOD MORNING GUYS. DRY PERSON AFTER DRY PERSON. HELLO FROM YOUR WET CREW OUT IN YOLO COUNTY. TECHNICALLY. DAVIS, TAKE A LOOK. THIS IS CENTRAL PARK, WHERE ALL OF THE LEAVES ARE COMING DOWN, AND THERE’S A LOT OF WATER ON THE GROUND. WE WERE PROMISED BY OUR METEOROLOGIST ALL MORNING LONG. THAT 7:00 WAS WHEN IT WAS GOING TO GET BAD. NOW, I DON’T WANT TO MISLEAD ANYONE. THIS IS THE LOW PART OF THE PARKING LOT, BUT YOU CAN SEE LOTS OF RAIN. I MEAN, LOTS OF ACCUMULATED WATER IS MORE LIKE IT. YOU CAN SEE THAT LITTLE DRAIN THERE, LOTS OF LEAVES ACCUMULATING AROUND IT. BUT MY GOODNESS, YOU’RE KIND OF LOOKING AT THE ONLY PLACE OF REFUGE IN THE PARK. IF WE WERE SMARTER, WE WOULD HAVE STOOD UNDERNEATH THAT. BUT THAT REALLY DOESN’T TELL THAT. INTERESTING OF A STORY. BUT REALLY, IF YOU ARE IN THIS KIND OF DWELLING AND YOU’RE SHOOTING OUT AND YOU SEE HOW HEAVY THE RAIN HAS GOTTEN OVER THE LAST HOUR, HOUR AND A HALF, IT’S QUITE INTENSE OUT HERE. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT OUR METEOROLOGISTS HAVE PROMISED ALL MORNING LONG. IT’S ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER WHERE YOU GO, GOSH, THIS IS JUST A PART OF THE JOB. BUT THIS WATER RESISTANT JACKET JUST AIN’T CUTTING IT AT THIS POINT IN THE MORNING, BECAUSE AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR YOU ARE WATERLOGGED. SO PLEASE, IF YOU’RE SOMEONE GOING TO BE OUTSIDE TODAY AT ANY KIND OF JUNCTURE, BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND ALSO GIVE YOURSELF SOME EXTRA TIME ON THE ROADS BECAUSE THE PAVEMENT IS VERY, VERY, VERY
A storm bringing soaking rain and gusty winds arrived Thursday in Northern California. KCRA 3’s weather team issued an Impact Day for Thursday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra. RainA few showers began Wednesday evening, but rainfall slightly increased Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute for many. Meteorologist Tamara Berg said some of the steadiest rain could hit after sunrise.Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley on Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.The Sacramento Valley will see 1 to 2 inches of rain. San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5. The Foothills will be quite wet, with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 2 to 3 inches of rain Thursday. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, could also see 2 to 3 inches of rain. Berg said localized flooding is possible, but it is unlikely that rivers or creeks will be affected by this weather system.SnowThere will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm. The snow level will stay above 7,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summits wet and windy. Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet, but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass. When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.WindA Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning. Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind-prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph. Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. 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 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.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A storm bringing soaking rain and gusty winds arrived Thursday in Northern California.
KCRA 3’s weather team issued an Impact Day for Thursday because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra.
Rain
A few showers began Wednesday evening, but rainfall slightly increased Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute for many. Meteorologist Tamara Berg said some of the steadiest rain could hit after sunrise.
Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley on Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.
The Sacramento Valley will see 1 to 2 inches of rain.
San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5.
The Foothills will be quite wet, with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 2 to 3 inches of rain Thursday. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, could also see 2 to 3 inches of rain.
Berg said localized flooding is possible, but it is unlikely that rivers or creeks will be affected by this weather system.
Snow
There will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm.
The snow level will stay above 7,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summits wet and windy.
Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet, but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.
Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.
When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.
Wind
A Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning.
Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind-prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph.
Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
Near-record temperatures are forecast for Denver on Thursday amid one of the city’s longest snowless streaks on record, but cooler weather is on the horizon, according to the National Weather Service.
Denver will see two more days with afternoon highs in the 70s before daytime temperatures begin to drop, forecasters said.
Starting Monday, the city can expect maximum temperatures in the mid-50s and overnight lows near freezing, but a solid snow forecast remains elusive, according to the weather service.
With no snow expected through at least Monday, Denver is on track to document its fourth-latest snow on record, according to weather service data. If no snow falls by Wednesday, this season’s first snow will pass the third-latest spot.
The last time it snowed in Denver was on April 18, according to the weather service. By Monday, it will have been 213 days without snow, marking Denver’s fifth-longest consecutive snowless stretch.
Northern California forecast: Wet and windy Thursday
Showers have arrived and will turn into moderate to heavy rain for your Thursday morning commute.
THE SOGGINESS OVER THE AREA. I ENCOUNTERED A LITTLE RAIN ON THE WAY IN, AND HERE’S METEOROLOGIST TAMARA BERG TO TIME IT ALL OUT FOR US. YEAH, THERE’S DEFINITELY SOME SHEEN ON SOME OF OUR LOCAL ROADWAYS OUT THERE. AND ALSO BRIAN, CHECK OUT THIS CAMERA. IT IS JUST ROCKING AROUND. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SUTTER BUTTE SKY CAMERA. A LOT OF CLOUDS ON OCCASION. THERE WE GO. THERE’S A RAINDROP THAT’S KIND OF GETTING DRAGGED ACROSS THE LENS THIS MORNING. BUT YEAH, THE BIG VISUAL THERE FOR THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY IS THAT BREEZE RIGHT NOW IN SACRAMENTO VALLEY. WE’RE IN THE LOWER 60S ALONG WITH THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND THE FOOTHILLS. A LOT OF CLOUD COVER, OVERCAST SKIES, OCCASIONAL SHOWERS, SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS RIGHT NOW SUSTAINED AT 16 IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY, UP TO 14 IN THE FOOTHILLS. AND WINDS PUSHING SUSTAINED THERE OVER 20MPH IN THE SIERRA. WATCHING THE RAIN AGAIN WORK ITS WAY ACROSS THE VALLEY. WE’RE NOT EVEN INTO THE BEST OF IT JUST YET. RIGHT NOW, MOST OF THE ACTIVITY HAS BEEN WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS. I’VE ALSO BEEN TRACKING A COUPLE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE JOINING US IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY OR ON THE EASTERN HALF OF STANISLAUS COUNTY. MOST OF THE SCREEN HERE WE’RE SEEING, ESPECIALLY ALONG INTERSTATE 80 OR HIGHWAY 50, IT HAS ALL BEEN, AGAIN, VERY LIGHT, KIND OF MANAGEABLE RAIN TO DRIVE THROUGH. BUT OF COURSE, IT GENERATES A WET TRACK OUT THERE ON THE ROADS ALONG I-5 AND 99. YOU’VE ALSO BEEN SEEING SOME LIGHT RAIN. AND THEN HERE WE GET RIGHT INTO PARTS OF CALAVERAS AND TUOLUMNE COUNTIES. AND THIS IS WHERE THUNDERSTORM JUST MOVED THROUGH THE SONORA. SO IF YOU’RE A LIGHT SLEEPER, YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THE CLAPS OF THUNDER OR SEEN THE FLICKER OF LIGHTNING. ANGELS CAMP, MURPHY’S AND ARNOLD HERE ALONG HIGHWAY FOUR. ALSO HIGHWAY 108. YOU’VE BEEN GETTING A PRETTY GOOD SOAKING RAINFALL FROM THOSE STORMS FIRING UP THIS MORNING. THE BIG PICTURE VIEW. WE’VE GOT A FRONT THAT’S GOING TO DRAG THROUGH THE AREA AS IT DOES. SO I ANTICIPATE THAT THE HOURS OF 7 A.M., 8 A.M. AND 9 A.M., WE’RE GOING TO BE SEEING SOME PRETTY GOOD RETURNS ON THE RAINFALL. AND OF COURSE, THAT COULD LEAD TO SOME ISSUES WITH THE MORNING COMMUTE IN THE VALLEY. TODAY, I EXPECT BETWEEN 1 TO 2IN OF RAINFALL THAT WILL HAVE A BIT OF A HEAVIER IMPACT. OUR HIGHER IMPACT, ESPECIALLY IN THE FOOTHILLS. WE’LL SEE TWO INCHES PLUS WINDS, A MODERATE IMPACT, 35 TO 40 MILE PER HOUR GUSTS EXPECTED IN THE VALLEY. SNOWFALL FOR TODAY IS PRIMARILY GOING TO STAY REALLY EVEN ABOVE 7000, CLOSER TO 8000FT AND FLOODING, IF WE GET ANY, WILL BE A MODERATE IMPACT. AND IT’S GOING TO BE HIGHLY LOCALIZED BY WAY OF STANDING WATER OR PONDING AND POOLING ON SOME OF THOSE ROADWAYS. THIS IS 7:00 ON FUTURECAST, AND HERE WE GET INTO SOME MORE MODERATE RAIN THERE FROM THE COAST AND THEN SWEEPING INTO THE VALLEY. AND LOOK AT THIS. EVEN BY LUNCHTIME IT’S STILL RAINING UP AND DOWN THE VALLEY AND WE’RE SEEING SOME HEAVIER RAINFALL, ESPECIALLY LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, THAT WE GO ALONG THE FOOTHILLS AND RIGHT DOWN HERE DRAPED ALONG THE WEST SLOPE. AND THEN HERE COMES SOME SNOW IN THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. BUT IT’S NOT GOING TO AMOUNT A WHOLE LOT. SO IF YOU HAVE ANY TRAVEL PLANS IN THE MOUNTAINS TODAY, IT’S JUST GOING TO BE WET AND WINDY WITH PERIODS OF GOOD, STEADY RAINFALL IN AREAS LIKE TRUCKEE AND TAHOE. BY 4:00 FRIDAY AFTERNOON MAY SEE A COUPLE OF SHOWERS, SWEEP IN AND SNEAK THROUGH THE AREA. I’M JUST NOT EXPECTING A LOT OF ACCUMULATION. AND THEN ONCE WE GET INTO SATURDAY MORNING, HERE WE GO WITH A COUPLE OF BANDS OF SHOWERS, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE BAY. I THINK A LOT OF THE VALLEY IS GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF DRY TIME DURING THE DAY ON SATURDAY, AND THEN LOOKING AHEAD TO SUNDAY, ANOTHER SHOT AT MORE SHOWERS AND WE COULD SEE PERIODS OF SHOWERS, BRIAN, EVEN EXTENDING INTO THE START OF THE NEXT WORKWEEK INTO MONDAY. OTHER TAKEAWAY BRIAN YESTERDAY’S HIGH WAS 69 DEGREES, SO WE GOT CLOSE TO 70. LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. WE’RE GOING TO JUST BE SEEING 60S FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. SO MAYBE A GOOD WEEKEND TO GET OUT THE WINTER WARDROBE. AND OF COURSE JUST MAKE SURE THINGS ARE OPERATIONAL, LIKE YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS. WE JUST REPLACED MY HUSBAND’S. THEY WERE IN BAD SHAPE, YOU KNOW, AND JUST GET READY FOR THE TRAVEL. ON THE WAY IN. SO WHEN THEY STUTTER LIK
Northern California forecast: Wet and windy Thursday
Showers have arrived and will turn into moderate to heavy rain for your Thursday morning commute.
Showers have arrived and will turn into moderate to heavy rain for your Thursday morning commute.Winds will pick up out of the southwest at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the valley until early afternoon, when winds are forecast to subside.The heaviest rain will move through this morning, with 1 to 2 inches expected. Showers will continue through the evening, and the foothills could total 2 to 3 inches by Friday morning. The Sierra will also see rain changing to slushy snow in the passes as snow levels drop to 7,000 feet by Friday morning.Highs in the valley will top out in the mid-60s, with foothill highs in the low 60s and Sierra highs in the mid-50s.Though Friday will be drier, unsettled weather lingers through the day and into the weekend as the system slowly moves east. Valley highs will remain in the low 60s through the weekend, with scattered showers possible. Another system arrives early next week, with more showers forecast for Monday.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Showers have arrived and will turn into moderate to heavy rain for your Thursday morning commute.
Winds will pick up out of the southwest at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the valley until early afternoon, when winds are forecast to subside.
The heaviest rain will move through this morning, with 1 to 2 inches expected. Showers will continue through the evening, and the foothills could total 2 to 3 inches by Friday morning. The Sierra will also see rain changing to slushy snow in the passes as snow levels drop to 7,000 feet by Friday morning.
Highs in the valley will top out in the mid-60s, with foothill highs in the low 60s and Sierra highs in the mid-50s.
Though Friday will be drier, unsettled weather lingers through the day and into the weekend as the system slowly moves east. Valley highs will remain in the low 60s through the weekend, with scattered showers possible. Another system arrives early next week, with more showers forecast for Monday.
Northern California is expected to receive a soaking rain and gusty winds on Thursday.KCRA 3’s weather team is calling Thursday an Impact Day because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra. RainA few showers are possible after sunset Wednesday evening, but the heaviest rainfall for the Valley is likely Thursday morning between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.The Sacramento Valley will see around 1.5 inches of rain between Wednesday night and Friday morning. San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5. The Foothills will be quite wet Thursday with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain Thursday and Thursday night. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, will see 2 to 3 inches of rain. SnowThere will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm. The snow level will stay about 8,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summit wet and windy. Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.WindA Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning. Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph. Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. 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 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.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Northern California is expected to receive a soaking rain and gusty winds on Thursday.
KCRA 3’s weather team is calling Thursday an Impact Day because of how wet and windy conditions will affect outdoor activities and travel for the Valley, Foothills and Sierra.
Rain
A few showers are possible after sunset Wednesday evening, but the heaviest rainfall for the Valley is likely Thursday morning between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Steady rain will taper to scattered showers in the Valley Thursday afternoon. The Foothills will see a continuous soaking rain all day, with the heaviest rates expected south of Highway 50.
The Sacramento Valley will see around 1.5 inches of rain between Wednesday night and Friday morning.
Hearst Owned
Valley rain totals will likely be over an inch in the Sacramento Valley. Some Foothills communities could see up to 3 inches of rain.
San Joaquin Valley totals will be slightly lower. Stockton and Modesto could both see up to 1 inch of rain. Lesser amounts are expected west of Interstate 5.
The Foothills will be quite wet Thursday with communities north of Highway 50 seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain Thursday and Thursday night. This includes Nevada City and Placerville. Foothills communities south of Highway 50, including Sonora, will see 2 to 3 inches of rain.
Snow
There will be plenty of precipitation over the Tahoe area summits, but most of it will come down as rain with this storm.
The snow level will stay about 8,000 feet during daylight hours on Thursday, keeping Donner and Echo summit wet and windy.
Cooler air will drain in Thursday night into Friday morning, dropping the snow level to about 6,500 feet but at this point, moisture will be running out. A couple of slushy inches of snow is expected over the Tahoe summits Thursday night into Friday morning. This could be enough for chain controls and travel delays.
Bigger snow totals are expected over the Sonora and Ebbetts Pass.
Hearst Owned
A slushy couple of inches of snow may accumulate at the summits on I-80 and Highway 50 Thursday night.
When chain controls are in effect, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is 30 mph. On Highway 50, the speed limit is 25 mph.
Wind
A Wind Advisory will be in effect for the Valley and delta region Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible during that time, with the peak gusts most likely to occur Thursday morning.
Sierra gusts could top 60 mph in wind prone areas. Gusts around Lake Tahoe will be closer to 45 mph.
Wind gusts of 40 mph or more can be enough to bring down weak tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
Northern California forecast: Warm and quiet Sunday
Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.
BIT WARMER THAN TODAY, BUT TODAY PHENOMENAL. CONSIDERING THAT NOVEMBER 8TH. NORMAL IS 68 DEGREES. WE WERE THREE DEGREES WARMER THAN THAT, WITH AN OBSERVED HIGH OF 71 AT THE SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT. HEY, THE DAILY RECORD 81 DEGREES. WE SET THAT BACK IN 1955. WE’RE GOING TO BE A LITTLE CLOSER TO THAT TOMORROW. SO THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR WEEKEND IS GOING TO BE A HANDFUL OF DEGREES WARMER. BUT RIGHT NOW, RATHER COOL. AS WE STEP OUT THIS EVENING, TEMPERATURES ARE IN THE MID TO UPPER 50S IN YUBA CITY AND SACRAMENTO, STOCKTON MODESTO ALSO READY TO DROP DOWN INTO THE 50S. AUBURN AT 54 DEGREES. COMPARE THAT TO CLASS PLACERVILLE AT 64 TRUCKEE AND SOUTH LAKE QUICKLY IN THE 30S. NOW CALM WINDS. IN FACT, THEY ARE NONEXISTENT. BUT WE DO NOTICE THAT THEY ARE FLOWING OFF THE MOUNTAINS AND OUT OF THE NORTH, AND THAT IS GOING TO BE THE WIND DIRECTION TOMORROW UNDER THIS AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE. TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO BUMP UP BY A FEW DEGREES TOMORROW. SO 71 TODAY WE’LL GET TO 77 DEGREES TOMORROW. DESPITE A FEW CLOUDS AROUND THE REGION INCREASING BY AFTERNOON, 75 IN THE FOOTHILLS AND IN THE SIERRA LOOKING FOR HIGHS NEAR 67 DEGREES. HOW ABOUT WE. COPY AND PASTE THAT FOR MONDAY. YOUR WORKWEEK. OFF TO A BEAUTIFUL START. HEY, VETERANS DAY IS NICE TOO, WITH HIGHS NEAR 75 DEGREES UNDER PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES. WEDNESDAY WILL NOTICE THAT TEMPERATURE DROP BACK INTO THE LOW 70S, AND ON THURSDAY BACK BELOW THE NORMAL. WHAT HAPPENS? OUR NEXT STORM SYSTEM ARRIVES. WE HAVE THIS CUT OFF LOW THAT WILL BE OFF THE COAST, AND WE HAVE A TROUGH THAT WILL BE SWINGING IN TO BOOT. THAT ENERGY IN. CHANCE OF RAIN ARRIVES OVERNIGHT. GOING INTO THURSDAY MORNING. LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE SOME GOOD SHOWERS FORECAST FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THURSDAY, AND SOME SNOW IN THE SIERRA TURNING INTO SCATTERED SHOWERS THAT LINGER ALL THE WAY THROUGH FRIDAY. THIS IS RETURNING RAIN, MOUNTAIN SNOW AND BREEZY IF NOT WINDY CONDITIONS STARTING THURSDAY EARLY MORNING LASTING THROUGH FRIDAY. WHAT WE’RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AND IS STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS MOMENT, IS RAIN AND SNOW AMOUNTS. THE STRENGTH OF THE WINDS WILL BE BREEZY OR WINDY, AND WHERE AND ALSO THE EXACT TIMING OF THIS SYSTEM. BUT I WILL SAY THAT IF YOU ARE A MORNING COMMUTER, I WOULD CERTAINLY KEEP AN EYE ON THAT THURSDAY MORNING COMMUTE. MODEL DATA RIGHT NOW, SUGGESTING THAT THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS GOING TO MOVE THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AT THAT TIME. SO IN THE SIERRA, GREAT WEEKEND START TO THE WEEK, BUT TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO BE DROPPING FROM NEAR 70 DEGREES ON MONDAY, DOWN TO 50 ON THURSDAY THANKS TO RAIN AND TURNING TO SNOW. THAT SNOW LEVEL DROPPING TO 6500FT FRIDAY MORNING, AND THAT HIGH DROPPING TO 45 DEGREES IN THE FOOTHILLS. TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO GO FROM MID 70S THESE NEXT COUPLE DAYS BACK DOWN INTO THE UPPER 50S. RAINY AND BREEZY THURSDAY. AND HERE IN THE VALLEY, RAIN AND BREEZES ON THURSDAY TOO. GOING FROM NEAR 80 DEGREES TOMORROW AND MONDAY. BACK DOWN TO 64 DEGREES ON THURSDAY AND 62 WITH THOSE SCATTERED SHOWERS ON FRIDAY
Northern California forecast: Warm and quiet Sunday
Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.
Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer. Valley highs will climb to the upper 70s. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will peak in the mid to upper 70s, with Sierra highs in the upper 60s. Clouds will increase, but they will be high, and there will still be some sunshine.The upcoming workweek starts similarly, and Veterans Day will be comfortable, but changes begin midweek as clouds increase and temperatures dip. Valley highs return to the low 70s on Wednesday, and breezes pick up that night. Rain may arrive as early as Thursday morning. Forecast models continue to adjust the track and timing of this system, but current data suggest Thursday morning will be stormy, with moderate to heavy rain fading to showers that linger into Friday. The region will also be breezy with stronger winds for our mountains.In the Sierra, rain will change to snow at the peaks, with snow levels dropping to around 6,500 feet by Friday morning.On-and-off showers linger through Friday, and Saturday looks mostly quiet and dry.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Thanks to light northerly winds, Sunday will feel significantly warmer.
Valley highs will climb to the upper 70s. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will peak in the mid to upper 70s, with Sierra highs in the upper 60s. Clouds will increase, but they will be high, and there will still be some sunshine.
The upcoming workweek starts similarly, and Veterans Day will be comfortable, but changes begin midweek as clouds increase and temperatures dip.
Valley highs return to the low 70s on Wednesday, and breezes pick up that night. Rain may arrive as early as Thursday morning. Forecast models continue to adjust the track and timing of this system, but current data suggest Thursday morning will be stormy, with moderate to heavy rain fading to showers that linger into Friday. The region will also be breezy with stronger winds for our mountains.
In the Sierra, rain will change to snow at the peaks, with snow levels dropping to around 6,500 feet by Friday morning.
On-and-off showers linger through Friday, and Saturday looks mostly quiet and dry.
