The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the Sacramento Valley and northern San Joaquin Valley. Fresno has been issued a freeze watch.
This warning comes after the intense winter storm that fell upon the Sierra Nevada. The winter storm resulted in a deadly avalanche and the deaths of about eight people, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting.
Here’s what to know:
COLD temperatures are forecast for northern California tonight-Friday AM, impacting pets, people and agriculture. Those in the mountain/foothill communities who are without power from the recent storm will be especially impacted. Prepare for the cold temperatures!!! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/azsU9nWTfC
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 19, 2026 When will temperatures drop in the Sacramento Valley?
The freeze warning and cold weather advisory will be in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, according to the National Weather Service.
Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to linger Friday morning, dropping as low as 20 degrees. The advisory includes Marysville, Yuba City, Red Bluff, Oroville, Chico, Redding and Sacramento.
The weather service said residents should use caution when traveling outside during the freeze warning as temperatures could drop low enough to cause frostbite or hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
“Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water,” it said in the advisory. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”
How cold will it get in Modesto?
The San Joaquin Valley also received a freeze warning Thursday.
Temperatures will be slightly warmer than the Sacramento Valley, predicted to reach as low as 28 degrees overnight.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation,” it said in the advisory.
How long will the cold last?
While the freeze warnings are set to expire at 9 a.m. Friday, “mostly dry and colder temperatures” are expected to linger Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service Sacramento expects cold overnight temperatures early Saturday as well.
The weather service said in its forecast temperatures are expected to rise Sunday before rain returns to the Sacramento Valley on Monday. Rain is expected in the northern San Joaquin Valley on Tuesday.
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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.