An atmospheric river-fueled storm brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds and flood risks to the Sacramento area, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the weather service issued a flood advisory for much of the Sacramento region.
Drivers can expect “longer-than-normal commutes” and “ponding of water on roadways and slick roads,” the weather service’s Sacramento office said in a X post on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Here’s what to know:
Latest doppler radar loop for Northern California
Source: National Weather Service
What’s in the forecast for Sacramento?
On Thursday, the Sacramento area was expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall with winds of up to 25 mph, according to the Weather Channel.
The National Weather Service predicted rain “showers and possibly a thunderstorm” on Thursday in its latest forecast for Sacramento, along with a high temperature of 64 degrees, patchy fog and winds up to 28 mph.
There was a 100% chance of precipitation, with three quarters of an inch to 1 inch of new rainfall.
More showers were expected Thursday night, mainly before 11 p.m., when the temperature was expected to dip to 54 degrees. Sacramento could see a quarter-inch to a half-inch of new rainfall overnight, the weather service said.
The weather service issued a wind advisory for the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley and northeast Sierra Valley foothills with gusts of 35 to 50 mph expected.
There was a 30% chance of rain on Friday, mainly before 10 a.m, the weather service said.
The day will start out mostly cloudy, then gradually become sunny with a high near 64 and an overnight low of around 50 degrees.
On Saturday, Sacramento has a 20% chance of rain, mostly after 10 a.m., with chances for precipitation rising to 40% Saturday night. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 64 degrees and a low of around 53 degrees.
There’s a 40% chance of showers on Sunday along with a high near 60 and an overnight low around 50, according to the weather service.
On Monday, there is a chance of showers, mainly before 4 p.m. with partly sunny weather with a high near 59 and an overnight low of around 45.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 60 and a low of around 43.
Showers are expected to return to the Sacramento area on Wednesday, which will be mostly sunny with a high near 57 degrees.
Flood advisory issued for Northern California
The National Weather Service said “urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall” was expected in “portions of interior Northern California.”
The flood advisory, which will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday, impacts parts of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties.
The weather service warned of “minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.”
“Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent,” the weather service said.
How much rainfall has Sacramento gotten so far? See totals
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, parts of the Sacramento area reported more than half an inch of rain over the past 24 hours, according to the California Nevada River Forecast Center.
Here’s how much rain fell across the region:
- Sacramento Executive Airport: 0.5 inches of rain
- Sacramento International Airport: 0.47 inches
- Citrus Heights: 0.63 inches
- Lincoln: 0.53 inches
- Fair Oaks: 0.63 inches
- Laguna Creek: 0.47 inches
- Davis University Airport: 0.14 inches
- Rocklin: 0.40 inches
- Rancho Cordova: 0.59 inches
- Roseville: 0.47 inches
How long will wet weather last?
Rainfall was expected to continue in the Sacramento area into mid-November, according to the Weather Channel.
However, the weather should turn sunny and warm by the end of the month, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 60-day extended forecast.
The almanac predicted warm, dry conditions from Monday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 24, followed by rain and cool temperatures.
More sunshine is expected in early December, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The Sacramento-area rainy season is kicking off with gray clouds, strong winds and piling rain. David Middlecamp
Will California see heavy rain this winter?
Weather experts predict that California will experience “warmer and drier” weather this winter, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac recently released its 2025-26 winter weather outlook, calling for dry and relatively mild conditions across California.
“Expect fewer storms, but remain alert during late-season rain bursts,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac said.
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center released a long-range weather forecast predicting above-normal temperatures from November through January.
The National Weather Service’s outlook indicated that Northern California — including Sacramento, Modesto and Merced — has “equal chances” of the season being wetter, drier or around average.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the stormiest periods were expected in late November, mid-January and late February.
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
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Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
The Sacramento Bee
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in journalism.
