After several days of thunderstorms that brought snow, rain and strong winds, California is expected to see a brief stretch of sunshine.
However, the calm weather won’t last long.
According to the National Weather Service, the “coldest storm of the season” is forecast to arrive this weekend, bringing widespread rain, gusty winds and significant snowfall to the mountains.
Rain is expected to drench California, including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, Fresno and San Luis Obispo, the National Weather Service said in area forecast discussions on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Here’s when rain is forecast to arrive:
Student Rebecca Seasick walks through the rain on the campus at Sacramento State on Nov. 21, 2024. José Luis Villegas jvillegas@sacbee.com When will thunderstorms drench California?
California is expected to see at least three separate storms through next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The first storm is likely to arrive Sunday, Feb. 15, or early on Monday, Feb. 16.
“Timing for this and the following storms will be refined as we get closer to arrival,” the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Thursday. “In the meantime, the first system appears to be the strongest in terms of overall rainfall amounts and rain rates.”
Like the weather system that recently swept through the Golden State, the series of storms will move quickly — but it’s larger, meaning it will take longer to pass through the region, the weather agency said.
This includes heavier bursts of rain and possible isolated thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, most coastal and valley areas could see 1 to 2 inches of rain on Monday, while higher elevations could get 2 to 4 inches.
“There is about a 20% chance that this first storm will generate” up to 3 inches in lower elevations and 6 inches in the mountains if the storm strengthens, the weather agency said.
California Department of Water Resources engineers Jacob Kollen and Anthony Burdock, center, take the season’s first snow survey measurements with hydrometeorologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, at Phillips Station in El Dorado County on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. HECTOR AMEZCUA hamezcua@sacbee.com Will Sierra Nevada get snow?
Forecasters with the National Weather Service warned the snow impact could be “major,” leading to tire chain controls and hazardous travel conditions across the Sierra Nevada, including the Tahoe region.
Snow levels are expected to begin around 5,500 feet starting Sunday, Feb. 15, and continue through Tuesday, Feb. 17.
By Tuesday, snow levels could drop as low as 3,000 feet, increasing the risk of travel disruptions in mountain areas, the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Thursday, Feb. 12.
What’s in the forecast for Sacramento?
Skies were expected to be “mostly sunny” in Sacramento on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 13, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast.
Rain will likely return Saturday night, when there’s an 30% chance of showers. The high temperature will be near 59 degrees, and the low temperature will be around 48 degrees. Winds will be light at about 6 mph.
Rain remains likely Sunday, when there’s a 60% chance of showers. The high will be near 59, and the low will drop to around 48.
With a high near 53 and a low of about 44 degrees, Monday’s forecast calls for more “showers and possibly a thunderstorm,” the National Weather Service said.
Rain remains in Sacramento’s weather forecast through Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The swollen Sacramento River flows under the Tower Bridge during a pause in the rain on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. HECTOR AMEZCUA hamezcua@sacbee.com 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 elevation.
The latest forecast for South Lake Tahoe shows snowfall beginning Sunday, Feb. 15, with wintry conditions expected to continue through Wednesday, Feb. 18.
When will Modesto see wet weather?
After a brief period of sunny skies on Thursday and Friday, rain is expected to return to Modesto, according to the latest seven-day weather forecast.
There is a 10% chance of showers on Saturday.
Rain becomes more likely on Sunday, with a 60% chance of showers and temperatures reaching a high near 62 degrees and a low around 50.
Wet weather is expected to continue through Wednesday, bringing several days of stormy conditions.
When will it rain in Merced? Fresno?
Rain is forecast to begin Sunday in both Merced and Fresno.
Showers are expected to continue through Wednesday, with chances of thunderstorms, according to the latest forecasts.
A motorist drives on the flooded Cherry Lane in Rio Linda on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. Heavy rains on Christmas day brought flooding to the area from nearby Dry Creek. HECTOR AMEZCUA hamezcua@sacbee.com Will San Luis Obispo see rain?
The San Luis Obispo area should stay sunny through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Clouds will increase Saturday, with a 30% chance of rain.
Showers — and possibly thunderstorms — are expected to develop and continue through Wednesday, Feb. 18, bringing several days of wet weather to the area.
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This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 3:24 PM.
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Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.