Sacramento Forecast: Rain Returns Sunday Morning

Heather Waldman

Meteorologist/climate journalist

The next round of rain and snow will occur on Sunday, but this storm will behave very differently than Friday’s.

Heather Waldman

Meteorologist/climate journalist

Northern California’s first big storm of the season ended late Friday night and the KCRA 3 weather team is tracking two more that will move in over the next five days. Sunday and Wednesday are KCRA’s 3 weather impact days.

The forecast is dry Saturday, but chain controls will likely still be in place on the Tahoe area peaks until Caltrans can clear the highways.

Storm number two will arrive slowly on Sunday. This system will behave very differently than Friday. Rain and snow will be lighter but precipitation will last longer. The wind will be less intense in comparison. Schedule details and totals can be found in the charts below.

A third storm will arrive on Wednesday with a little more intensity. Widespread heavy rain, gusty winds and heavy snow are possible. This third storm could be the biggest snow producer of the three. Additional details about this storm will be shared in a few days.

1

The next rain is coming for some on Sunday morning

Parts of Northern California will see rain return as early as Sunday morning.

A narrow band of light to moderate rain will move slowly from northwest to southeast. There will be a bit of a breeze, but gusts will only peak between 20 and 25 mph.

Locations south of I-80 will likely remain dry through the afternoon.

2

Rain moves south Sunday evening

By Sunday evening, rain will reach the San Joaquin Valley and most locations in the adjacent foothills.

Snow will begin to fall above 7,000 feet at sunset. Snow levels are expected to drop to around 6,500 feet overnight. Chain checks may be necessary Sunday evening through Monday morning on I-80, Highway 50 and Highway 88.

3

The valley clears Monday morning

Rain should have fallen in the valley by the time the sun rises on Monday.

A few light rain showers will linger in the foothills for a few hours.

Light to moderate snow will persist above 6,000 feet until mid to late morning, mainly south of Highway 50.

4

Precipitation forecast from Sunday to Monday

Storm number two will bring similar rain totals as Friday’s storm, but the rain will accumulate much more slowly and last longer.

5

Snow forecast from Sunday to Monday

Snow totals will be lighter with this second round, but there will still be enough to carry on the summit checks from Sunday evening until Monday morning.

6

Storm number three Wednesday

Tuesday will bring a break in the weather allowing Northern California to dry out.

Storm number three will hit on Wednesday. This storm could be a little more intense. There is a risk of strong winds, widespread rain (some heavy) and heavy snow. This storm also appears to be the largest snow producer of the three coming to this stretch.

More details on the precipitation schedule and expected amounts will be shared in a few days.

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