A hint of fall is arriving in Northern California to end the week, following a scorching stretch of summer. Changes start as early as Thursday afternoon and include cooler temps, blustery winds, showers, and a little covering of snow.
Over the next few days, an exceptionally potent low-pressure system originating in the Gulf of Alaska will intensify onshore winds and draw additional moisture into the area.
While rain in August is not unheard of, Friday’s temperatures will be among the lowest for late August that we’ve seen in more than 60 years.
Enjoying the cooldown? It’s here to stay through the day! đŸ“‰
Valley highs reach the mid-upper 70s, roughly 15-20° cooler than average. #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/uGRwPDzc9K
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) August 23, 2024
Unresolved, Cooler Friday
The region’s fire threat will decrease by Friday as humidity rises. As the storm approaches from the north during the afternoon on Friday, conditions will remain windy and overcast. Tomorrow will be windy, with gusts as high as 45 mph, especially across the Sierra.
In the Sacramento Valley, the initial round of showers will persist through the morning and afternoon to the north of Interstate 80. As night falls, showers move in toward Sacramento and the foothills around it.
There won’t be a washout on Friday, but there may be a few brief showers in the evening. The San Joaquin Valley will mostly remain dry.
Rainfall quantities will be low; regions further north of Sacramento might see up to 0.25 inches of rain.
Behind the cold front on Friday afternoon, there is a greater probability of thunderstorms. Through Saturday morning, there is a chance of isolated thunderstorms, with the best chances being north of Interstate 80. Any storms that form have the potential to produce lightning, strong gusts, small hail, and heavy rain.
Concerns for flash flooding along the Park Fire burn scar in Butte, Tehama, Shasta, and Plumas counties grow with heavy showers or thunderstorms.
After the front, the temperature will rapidly drop. All around the valley, Friday’s highs will be in the mid- to upper-70s. a mixture of coast to Sierra highs in the 50s and 60s. For late August, these will be among of the coldest days in almost 60 years.
Snow on Saturday morning?
That may happen. To find it, though, you’ll have to ascend a significant elevation.
Areas along the Sierra Crest above 8,000 feet in elevation may begin to see a combination of rain and snow as temperatures dip on Friday night and into Saturday.
Because of the heated earth, much of the snow won’t stick. But as you ascend to 10,000 feet, you can find that certain places have a small dusting on Saturday morning.
Read Also:Â Death Toll Rises to 3 as Connecticut Flooding Claims Another Life
Next week, the summer heat returns.
The bulk of our storm system goes into Nevada by Saturday afternoon, and the drier air returns. Weekend highs will be cool, with most in the valley on Saturday reaching the 80s.
By Sunday, the wind will be coming from the north as high pressure builds again. By Sunday, highs in the mid 80s to low 90s will be almost average again in the Sacramento Valley and Delta.
Monday and Tuesday of next week will bring with them another round of summer heat, with highs in the upper 90s and triple digits predicted. As we wait for the next wave of heat to arrive, stay with Sacramento’s First Alert Weather team.
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