Thunderstorms return to Northern California. When to expect rain, snow and winds
Stormy weather is expected to move into Northern California, bringing rain, mountain snow and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.
The latests forecasts show a new round of storm systems will increase rain chances across much of Northern California and the Central Valley in the coming days.
“Another weather system arrives early to mid-week bringing widespread rain chances, moderate mountain snow and isolated thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service said Sunday, Feb. 8, on X.
Rain is expected to drench the region, including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno, forecasters said.
Here’s when rain is expected to arrive:
When will thunderstorms reach Northern California?
According to the National Weather Service, “active weather” is set to return to Northern California, starting Monday, Feb. 9.
As the current weather system moves in, breezy northern winds will develop, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph in the Central Valley by Monday afternoon, the weather agency said in a news release.
These winds should help reduce widespread fog, the agency said, but some patchy dense fog could still form in some areas within the Valley.
“Most areas will be dry Monday, with mostly cloudy skies, cooler, more seasonable temperatures,” the National Weather Service said. “The next system approaches from the eastern Pacific Monday afternoon, with some rain and snow showers developing ahead over the Sierra.”
Forecasters said the system is moving a bit slower than previously expected.
The heaviest rainfall and mountain snow was likely Tuesday, Feb. 10, through Wednesday, Feb. 11, when the storm will be at its strongest.
How much rain and snow will fall?
Snow levels are expected to start between 5,000 and 6,000 feet early Tuesday, Feb. 10, then drop to around 4,500 feet by Wednesday, meaning more mountain areas could see accumulating snow, the National Weather Service said.
Forecasts show 4 to 10 inches of snow will fall above 5,000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6,000 feet and up to 2 feet on the highest peaks.
According to the weather service, drivers should “expect delays and chain controls on mountain freeways” including Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
In the Central Valley, rainfall totals are expected to range from about a half-inch to 1 inch, with higher amounts possible during thunderstorms.
While widespread flooding is not expected, wet and slippery roads could make travel hazardous, the weather agency said.
There is also a 15% to 20% chance of thunderstorms from Tuesday through Wednesday in the southern Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley and nearby foothills.
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?
Skies were expected to be “mostly cloudy” in Sacramento on Monday, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast.
Rain will likely return Tuesday, when there’s an 80% chance of showers. The high temperature will be near 58 degrees, and the low temperature will be around 49 degrees. Winds will be light at about 6 mph.
Rain remains likely Wednesday, with a 70% chance of showers. Winds will increase slightly to 7 to 9 mph. The high will be near 55 , and the low will drop to around 44.
Drier weather is expected Thursday, along with “mostly sunny” skies, according to the forecast.
Will it snow near Lake Tahoe?
According to the National Weather Service, snow levels in Northern California are expected to remain above 5,000 feet.
The latest forecasts show snowfall returning to South Lake Tahoe beginning Monday, with wintry conditions expected to continue through Thursday.
When will Modesto see rain?
The latest seven-day weather forecast for Modesto shows rain starting Tuesday.
There was an 80% chance of showers Tuesday, with a high near 61 and a low around 51. Winds will sweep at around 3 to 7 mph.
Rain will continue into Wednesday, with a 60% chance of showers. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 58, with a low of 45.
Skies are expected to remain “mostly clear” on Thursday.
When will it rain in Merced? Fresno?
Merced is expected to see wet weather this week, with rain likely on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
The high will be 61 on Tuesday, while the low will be around 49.
There is an 80% chance of rain Tuesday, with winds around 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 15 mph. Thunderstorms are possible Tuesday evening.
Wednesday has a 60% chance of rain, with a high near 57 and a low around 42 degrees. Winds will remain light, from 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph.
Fresno will see similar conditions.
Tuesday’s high will be near 64 degrees, with a low around 53. There is a 90% chance of rain, and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday evening.
Rain is likely to continue Wednesday, with a 70% chance of precipitation. The high will be near 59, and the low will drop to about 45, with light winds between 5 and 10 mph and gusts up to 15 mph.
Skies are expected to clear by Thursday in Fresno and Merced — but rain could return to both cities on Friday, according to weather forecasts.
This story was originally published February 9, 2026 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Thunderstorms return to Northern California. When to expect rain, snow and winds."
