Wind, snow and freezing temps to hit Northern California. Here’s a look at the forecast
Bundle up Northern California: Rain, wind, snow and freezing temperatures are in the forecast.
A wind advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. Monday. Areas affected, according to the National Weather Service, include the Sacramento Valley as well as parts of Shasta, Colusa, Plumas and Sierra counties.
Wind from 20 to 30 mph, coupled with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, could cause fallen trees and power outages. A slight chance of rain is also possible
Motorists are cautioned against driving high-profile vehicles in the foothills and mountain passes.
Gusty north to east winds will develop this afternoon and continue into Monday. Strongest winds will be along the western/northern Sacramento Valley and over the Sierra. Secure loose outdoor objects, look out for downed branches, and drive with caution! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/2fShXW6jtb
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 29, 2023
Freezing temperatures are also in the forecast as overnight lows are expected to dip to 32 degrees in Sacramento Sunday night. Cold temperatures and widespread frost will continue into the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday’s overnight low is expected to reach 31 on the Valley floor; mountain lows are expected to be in the single digits through Tuesday.
Sacramento weather forecast
Here’s a look at Sacramento’s forecast, according to the National Weather Service:
Sunday | High near 48 degrees
Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers. Winds from 6 to 11 mph.
Sunday night | Low of 32 degrees
Mostly cloudy, then clear with winds from 11 to 16 mph and gusts as high as 29 mph.
Monday | High around 55 degrees
Sunny with winds from 15 to 18 mph and gusts as high as 24 mph.
Monday night | Low of 32 degrees
Clear skies with winds from 10 to 14 mph and gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tuesday | High near 54 degrees
Sunny with winds around 6 mph.
Tuesday night | Low of 31 degrees
Frost after 5 a.m., then partly cloudy.
Wednesday | High near 55 degrees
Frost before 9a.m., then partly sunny.
Wednesday night | Low of 34 degrees
Frost before 4 a.m., then mostly cloudy.
Thursday | High near 56 degrees
Frost before 8 a.m., then mostly cloudy.
South Lake Tahoe Forecast
This weekend is probably not the best time to travel to Tahoe.
A winter storm watch will go into effect across the entire Tahoe basin from 4 a.m to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Although the system will be quick, meteorologists predict 2 to 6 inches of snow to fall with gusts as high as 35 mph. The snow is forecast to end Monday.
Snow is being observed up in the mountains this morning and will continue to spread southward throughout the day. If you have mountain travel plans, be sure to check the forecast and the roads before you go!
️: https://t.co/WjKBsJmSfA
️: https://t.co/6jnhwJwK5a #CAwx pic.twitter.com/lBVk6Hz7dV— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 29, 2023
Rain and mountain snow will continue throughout the day Sunday, making driving conditions difficult.
“It doesn’t take much,” the National Weather Service wrote Saturday in a special weather statement “for the snow to pack down into ice as cars drive over it.”
“Driving conditions may get messy Sunday, with the potential for lingering icy conditions into the Monday morning commute.”
If you do travel, plan for delays, slippery and possible chain controls.
Here’s a look at South Lake Tahoe’s forecast, according to the National Weather Service:
Sunday | High near 30 degrees
Snow after 5 p.m. with winds around 15 mph and gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday night | Low of 8 degrees
Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of snow before 8 p.m. Winds from 10 to 20 mph.
Monday | High near 22 degrees
Sunny with winds 10 to 15 mph.
Monday night | Low of 8 degrees
Mostly clear skies with winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday | High near 37 degrees
Sunny with winds up to 5 mph.
Tuesday night | Low of 25 degrees
Partly cloudy with winds up to 5 mph.
Wednesday | High near 44 degrees
Mostly sunny.
Wednesday night | Low of 27 degrees
Mostly cloudy.
Thursday | High near 43 degrees
Partly sunny.