Although rain and snow are on the lighter side, this storm qualifies as an atmospheric river.
Northern California is turning to a cooler, drier pattern after the weekend’s spectacular storm.
However, light rain is possible on Wednesday, along with snow in the mountains, thanks to an “inner slider” system. This name is reserved for low-pressure systems that descend from the north and cut across Northern California as they move east.
A weak cold front associated with the interior slider pushed into Northern California on Wednesday, which will see increased cloud cover, breezy winds, and cool temperatures. High temperatures are forecast to be in the mid to upper 60s across the valley on Wednesday and in the 40s in the Sierra.
Any rain that falls as the front passes through will be light in the Sacramento area and for the rest of the valley. Showers will be possible for most of the day on Wednesday. Although totals will be light for much of Northern California, the system has enough moisture with it to be considered an atmospheric river.
Totals will increase toward the foothills and Sierra, where snow is likely to fall Wednesday night. This is the coldest storm so far this fall, and snow levels are the lowest since spring.
The highest totals will be in the Cascades and Northern Sierra, where totals could reach 6–9″. For the rest of the Sierra, totals will range from just a few inches to a dusting above 6,500 feet.
After the system passes through, the skies will brighten, but temperatures will remain cool for the rest of the week. The average high temperature in Sacramento is 75 on October 25, but that number drops to 72 on Halloween. High temperatures across the valley are expected to stay below 70 throughout the work week and into the weekend.
