An atmospheric river brought heavy rain across Northern California at the start of 2026, with widespread snow expected in the Sierra over the weekend.
Key Weather Impacts
- Rainfall: Light yet steady rain affected all elevations on New Year’s Eve into January 1, with moderate rainfall overnight and scattered showers continuing through January 2, particularly in the Sacramento Valley.
- Snowfall: Minimal accumulation (1-3 inches) before Friday, escalating to feet of snow by the weekend, especially Sunday evening, improving Sierra snowpack after a lackluster December.
- Wind: Breezy conditions on New Year’s Day, strongest Friday night into Saturday morning across Northern California.
- Temperatures: Sacramento reached 58°F on January 1, about 10°F warmer than late December’s upper 40s.
Forecast Timeline
- January 1: Scattered showers possible in the afternoon/evening; soggy conditions persist.
- January 2 early morning: Scattered showers in Sacramento Valley.
- Weekend (Friday-Sunday): Significant snow in Sierra, with chain controls likely for Tahoe travel; breezy regionally.
- Longer range: Ongoing showers in the valley, active snow Sunday evening.
