Sacramento is waking up clear and cool this Monday, with temperatures around 46°F at Sacramento Executive Airport, but the quiet start will not last. A wet Pacific system is on the way, so expect partly sunny skies early, with a chance of rain developing after noon on Monday, April 20. Highs will top out near 70°F before sliding back into the mid 60s by afternoon as clouds and showers build in.
Rain Arrives Monday Afternoon, Heaviest Overnight
Showers are expected to move in Monday afternoon and become steadier Monday night, with the heaviest rain arriving overnight into Tuesday, April 21. According to the National Weather Service, the chance of rain Monday afternoon sits at about 40%, with new rainfall totals of roughly a quarter to a half inch possible during the day. Another 1 to 2 inches are possible Monday night, and Tuesday could tack on another 0.5 to 0.75 inch in some locations.
Thunderstorms are likely on Tuesday and could bring heavy downpours, gusty winds, small hail and frequent lightning, so do not be surprised if a few cells turn noisy and briefly intense.
Tuesday Brunt Means Cooler Temperatures
Tuesday, April 21, is expected to deliver the brunt of the storm in the valley, with a high near 60°F and showers and thunderstorms lingering through much of the day. Scattered storms on Tuesday have the best chance to produce stronger wind gusts and brief pockets of near severe conditions, so plan for sudden heavy rain or hail under the more robust cells.
Precipitation should begin to taper off on Wednesday, with a trend toward drier and warmer weather returning later in the week as the system finally pulls away.
Mountain Travel And Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is posted for Sierra locations above about 5,000 feet from late Monday night through Wednesday afternoon. Snow levels are forecast to drop from roughly 6,000 to 7,000 feet Monday night to near 4,500 to 5,500 feet by Wednesday. Drivers should be ready for chain controls, poor visibility and slower travel on I-80, Highway 50 and other mountain routes. For more context on this unsettled pattern, check our stormy weekend showdown recap, and always look at official road advisories before heading east. If you have high country plans, it may be worth delaying until conditions improve.
Commute Tips
Locally, plan on slick roads, standing water and slower commutes from Monday afternoon through Tuesday. Give yourself extra time, leave more room between vehicles and ease off the gas in heavier downpours. Use headlights in the rain, avoid driving through flooded stretches of roadway and secure outdoor items if you live in a wind exposed area…