SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Northern California will see some major weather changes going into the weekend with much cooler and rare June snow on the way.
After three days under a heat advisory and 100-degree heat, Northern California will see valley high temperatures drop by as much as 20 degrees in 24 hours. Strong winds will also be part of the big changes and will be in the 10 – 20 mph range for much of the day.
The Sierra may see a few thunderstorms in the late afternoon for the central and southern regions with some potential for thunderstorms to drift into the southern San Joaquin valley.
On Saturday the region will continue to cool with high temperatures well below average with valley highs in the 70s. Wind could be stronger on Saturday with gusts up to 30 mph for valley locations. Some Sierra foothill locations could see some light rain showers on Saturday.
The Sierra will see some late afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday but will also have potential for rare June snow. The Sierra has recorded snow in every month of the year, but it still doesn't happen very often in June.
The days are very long and the sun angle is high in the sky, easily melting any snow that may fall. Snow amounts will be light with 1-2" expected over Donner Summit and Interstate 80. This amount of snow often is not enough to prompt chain controls, but if many vehicles or trucks are losing traction they may be issued for a short time in the morning. The Mount Lassen area may see 4-6" of snow.
The snow potential is mostly focused on far Northern California down to about the Highway 88 Carson Pass corridor. The snow level will be close to 6,000 feet or lower early Sunday morning.
The temperature of the surface of the roads in the Sierra will be warmer and likely melt much of the snow that falls. Snow will have an easier time sticking to grasses and vegetation.
Sunday will also see lower temperatures in the valley with lows in the mid-70s and much less wind.
Next week the temperatures will rise but only into the 80s and low 90s.
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