The National Weather Service Sacramento office is forecasting an active weather pattern for Northern California this weekend into next week, bringing a mix of rain, isolated thunderstorms, mountain snow, and gusty winds. The heaviest precipitation is expected on Sunday night into Monday.
The first storm system is already approaching, evident from extensive cloud cover and areas of virga or very light precipitation. Temperatures remain mild, in the upper 40s to lower 50s across the Central Valley and mainly in the 30s to lower 40s over the mountains. Gusty southerly winds are expected to increase as the cold front approaches, with gusts of 40-45 mph possible in the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for elevations above 6000 feet, where difficult travel conditions are anticipated.
Precipitation will spread inland later in the morning and through the afternoon as warm advection increases. The period of heaviest precipitation is expected this evening as the cold front moves through, accompanied by a chance for thunderstorms due to a mid-level short-wave trough moving across the region.