That system could bring isolated thunderstorms, along with \u201clightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rain<\/a> and small hail,\u201d the weather service said.<\/p>\n That means \u201ccooler temperatures and unsettled weather conditions<\/a>,\u201d the weather agency said in an area forecast discussion on Sunday, April 5.<\/p>\n Rain is expected to spread across several regions, including Northern California, coastal areas and the Central Valley \u2014 with potential impacts in Sacramento<\/a>, Modesto<\/a>, Merced<\/a>, Fresno<\/a> and San Luis Obispo.<\/a><\/p>\n Here\u2019s when to expect showers:<\/p>\n Thunderstorms could begin<\/a> moving into California as early as Thursday, April 9, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a chance of thunderstorms starting as early as Wednesday and lasting through Saturday.<\/p>\n Odds are lower on Wednesday and Saturday, when there\u2019s a 10% to 20% chance of thunder.<\/p>\n Thunderstorms are more likely on Thursday and Friday, with a 20% to 35% chance.<\/p>\n \u201cRecent trends have delayed the pattern change<\/a> with now the burnt of impacts becoming more Thursday (through) Friday,\u201d the weather agency said in Sunday\u2019s area forecast discussion.<\/p>\n How much rain will fall across California?<\/p>\n A recent storm brought light rain<\/a> and some snow to the Sierra Nevada, but it wasn\u2019t enough to make up for a very hot March that significantly reduced the state\u2019s snowpack<\/a>.<\/p>\n As of Monday, April 6, about 38% of the state was considered \u201cabnormally dry,\u201d<\/a> according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.<\/p>\n The highest chances for rain<\/a> are in the Central Valley, foothills and mountain areas, including the Sierra Nevada, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n Coastal areas and Southern California are expected to see lighter rain, but there\u2019s still an 80% chance of at least some rainfall<\/a> between Friday and Sunday.<\/p>\n Forecasters said \u201cthere\u2019s still a pretty big spread in the rain amounts and timing.\u201d<\/p>\n However, there\u2019s a chance some parts of the state could see more than a half inch of rain<\/a>, with about a 30% chance of totals reaching an inch or more.<\/p>\n What\u2019s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?<\/p>\n The National Weather Service\u2019s latest forecast for Sacramento<\/a> called for mostly clear, sunny skies from Monday through Wednesday, April 8.<\/p>\n By Thursday, there\u2019s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high temperature near 76 and a low temperature around 55.<\/p>\n A \u201cslight chance of rain\u201d continues into Friday, when temperatures will cool slightly. The high will be near 70, with the low dropping to around 53 overnight.<\/p>\n Rain will possibly continue through the weekend<\/a>, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n Will it rain in Modesto?<\/p>\n Skies in Modesto are expected to stay sunny through midweek before conditions shift, according to the weather service.<\/p>\n Rain is forecast to begin<\/a> Thursday, April 9, with a 20% chance of showers after 11 a.m. Temperatures will reach a high near 77, with a low around 57.<\/p>\n By Friday, showers become more likely, along with a chance of thunderstorms. The high will be near 73, with a low around 55.<\/p>\n Rain chances are expected to continue through the weekend.<\/p>\n What\u2019s in the weather forecast for Merced? Fresno?<\/p>\n Rain is also forecast across much of the Central Valley<\/a>, including Merced<\/a> and Fresno<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thunderstorms bringing lightning, rain and gusty winds could begin Thursday and continue into the weekend, according to the latest forecasts.<\/p>\n Along the Central Coast, including San Luis Obispo<\/a> and Paso Robles<\/a>, there are \u201cchances for at least some rain<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n The San Luis Obispo area is expected to remain \u201cpartly sunny\u201d through Thursday.<\/p>\n Clouds will increase Friday, bringing a chance of rain and possible thunderstorms, with a high near 68 and a low around 54.<\/p>\n Rain chances are expected to continue<\/a> through the weekend.<\/p>\n Have a question about life in California?<\/p>\n How to California \u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here<\/a>) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/img-26-03-15-3E01D.jpg\" "\\"img-26-03-15-3E01D.jpg\\"")
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Samuel Braybrooks and Lisa Wilcox of Citrus Heights tour Old Sacramento with their umbrellas on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. JOS\u00c9 LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com Will it rain in San Luis Obispo?<\/p>\n
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