Late Season Storm Brings Rain, Snow, and Thunderstorms to Northern California

The storm system will bring multiple threats, including heavy downpours, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:20am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a late-season storm system over Northern California, with heavy clouds, rain, and snow dominating the scene and obscuring any visible structures or roads.A late-season storm system brings a dramatic display of nature's power to Northern California, dwarfing the region's infrastructure and reminding residents of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather.Today in Sacramento

A late-season storm system is set to move into Northern California, bringing a variety of weather threats including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The storm is expected to impact the region starting late Monday and continuing through Wednesday, with the most widespread and severe conditions expected on Tuesday.

Why it matters

This late-season storm could cause significant travel disruptions, power outages, and other impacts across the region. The combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snow at lower elevations is unusual for this time of year and highlights the unpredictable nature of California's weather patterns.

The details

The storm system is being driven by a strong area of low pressure over the Pacific that is cut off from the jet stream, making it a slow-moving system that will bring multiple rounds of precipitation. On Monday, the valley and delta areas will see some light showers, but the widespread rainfall activity will ramp up late Monday and continue into Tuesday morning. During the day on Tuesday, the conditions will be ripe for the development of thunderstorms, which could bring heavy downpours, lightning, hail, and gusty winds. Snow levels will also drop to around 5,000 feet, leading to travel impacts on major highways like Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

  • Late Monday into Tuesday morning: Widespread rainfall activity begins, with pockets of moderate to heavy rain.
  • Tuesday, 12 PM to 7 PM: Best chance for thunderstorm development, with heavy rain, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.
  • Tuesday: Snow levels drop to around 5,000 feet, leading to travel impacts in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
  • Wednesday: Rainfall and thunderstorm chances decrease, but lingering snow showers in the mountains.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday: Cooler temperatures, with highs in the valley around 60°F and low 40s in Tahoe.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The storms will be driven by a strong area of low pressure set up over the Pacific that is cut off from the jet stream, meaning it will be a slow-moving system that will bring rounds of rain, storms and snow.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and issue updates on any changes to the forecast or potential impacts. A Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect and may be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as the storm approaches.

The takeaway

This late-season storm highlights the unpredictable nature of California's weather and the need for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions to travel, power, and other daily activities. The combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snow at lower elevations is a rare occurrence that could lead to significant impacts across the region.