Another Storm Brings Rain, Fog, and Sierra Snow Into the New Year

Northern California is sliding into a familiar winter pattern this week: foggy mornings, followed by several days of rain and lowering snow levels as the calendar flips to the new year.

Dense fog has been a major issue to start the week, limiting visibility across parts of the Sacramento Valley and Central Valley during the morning commute. The National Weather Service warns that fog is likely to redevelop early Tuesday before gradually thinning by the afternoon, when cloud cover takes over.

By Wednesday afternoon, rain chances begin to rise across much of the region. While early totals are expected to be light, showers are forecast to persist into New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with wetter conditions settling in late week. Forecasters say Thursday and Friday could be the most disruptive, particularly for travel and outdoor plans.

Valley rain totals through the weekend could add up quickly. Sacramento may see 1 to 2 inches, Stockton up to 1.5 inches, and Yuba City more than 2 inches, while foothill communities such as Placerville and Sonora could approach 3 inches.

Snow impacts will be limited at first, with snow levels starting above 9,000 feet. Colder air arrives by Friday, pushing snow levels closer to 7,000 feet, and possibly 5,000 feet by Sunday.

If snowfall intensifies, chain controls and reduced speeds could return to Sierra routes like Interstate 80 and Highway 50. Drivers should plan for changing conditions as the storm pattern unfolds.