It’s time to pull out those umbrellas and rain boots — again.
California weather has been unpredictable as of late, swinging from warm, sunny days to rain and thunderstorms within a matter of days.
After a brief stretch of warmer temperatures, another storm system is expected to move in early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
“Our next system (is) moving in late Sunday and continuing through mid-next week, bringing rain, isolated thunderstorms, mountain snow, cooler temperatures and breezy conditions,” the weather service said Friday, April 17, on X.
“Isolated to scattered thunderstorms” are expected to roll across several regions, including Northern California, coastal areas and the Central Valley — with potential impacts in Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, Fresno and San Luis Obispo.
Here’s when to expect rain and snow:
Pet sitter Kristine Stoflet of Peaceful Pets walks Lola in the rain in East Sacramento on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com What are isolated thunderstorms?
According to the National Weather Service, isolated thunderstorms are smaller and more short-lived than typical storms.
Isolated thunderstorms form when moisture moves into an area, creating brief bursts of unstable weather, the weather agency previously told The Sacramento Bee.
These storms can still bring heavy rain, but it usually doesn’t last long.
When will thunderstorms bring rain, snow to California?
Thunderstorms could begin moving into California as early as Sunday, April 19, according to the National Weather Service.
“This storm will bring along the potential for rain, mountain snow, isolated thunderstorms, breezy winds and cooler temperatures,” the National Weather Service said.
Rain totals could reach up to 1.5 inches of rain in Northern California, while central parts of the state, coastal areas and in Southern California could receive around 1 inch, according to an area forecast discussion.
Winds to sweep through California
Along with thunderstorms, windy conditions are also expected throughout California.
Starting Friday, April 17, parts of Northern California — including the cities of Sacramento, Redding, Stockton and Modesto — could see winds between 20 to 30 mph.
Stronger gusts are possible elsewhere, reaching up to 50 mph along the coast and in Southern California, around 55 mph in the Central Valley and as high as 63 mph in the Bay Area, the National Weather Service said.
Will the Sierra Nevada see snow?
Snow is expected to return to the Sierra Nevada starting Sunday, April 19, according to the National Weather Service.
Snow is forecast to hit elevations around 7,000 feet on Monday, gradually dropping to about 5,000 feet by Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22.
The impact will be “moderate,” with travel delays, slick roads and possible chain controls, the weather agency said.
In South Lake Tahoe, snowfall is expected to begin Monday, with winter-like conditions continuing through Wednesday.
Snow is forecast for Yosemite National Park, starting Monday.
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?
The latest weather forecast for Sacramento shows clear, sunny skies on Saturday and Sunday, with high temperatures in the upper 70s and low temperatures around 50.
On Monday, April 20, there is a 40% chance of rain. The high will near 70 degrees, while the low will be around 52 degrees.
“A chance of showers and thunderstorms” are possible on Tuesday, with a high near 62 and a low around 49, the National Weather Service said.
Rain will continue on Wednesday, with a high near 66 and a low of about 48 degrees.
Skies will be “mostly sunny” by Thursday, the weather service said.
Will it rain in the Central Valley?
Rain is expected across much of Central Valley in the coming days.
In Modesto, skies should remain sunny through the weekend before conditions shift, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain is expected to arrive on Monday, with about a 20% chance of showers after 11 a.m. The high will reach 79 degrees, with an overnight low temperature around 54 degrees.
By Tuesday, showers become more likely, along with a chance of thunderstorms. The high will be near 65, with a low around 50.
“A slight chance of rain” is possible on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
Similar conditions are forecast for nearby Central Valley cities, including Merced and Fresno, where rain could begin Monday and continue through Wednesday, April 22.
Rain flooded a section of 38th Street near Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento on Saturday, April 11, 2026, during a weekend storm passing through Northern California. JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com Will San Luis Obispo see rain? What about Southern California?
Rain is forecast along the Central Coast, including San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.
The San Luis Obispo area is expected to remain mostly sunny through Monday.
There’s a chance of rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday, with a high near 66 and a low around 50.
“The ensemble means have been pretty steady with the amounts around a half to one inch across SLO County,” the National Weather Service said.
Across Southern California, the weather agency said, “isolated thunderstorms with heavy rain are possible,” with less than half of an inch of rain.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 1:10 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.