Thunderstorms, Downpours And Snow Forecast For NorCal

See the storm timeline as another system approaches Northern California this weekend.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:18pm by

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A vast, dramatic landscape painting depicting a snow-capped mountain range shrouded in heavy, ominous clouds, conveying the overwhelming, sublime power of nature.A looming storm system threatens to bring heavy snow and rain to Northern California's mountain regions, underscoring the region's unpredictable and powerful weather patterns.San Francisco Today

Another storm is expected to hit Northern California as early as Sunday, bringing thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and up to a foot of snow at higher elevations. The Bay Area will see sunny and warm weather through Saturday before the storm moves in, with rain chances increasing significantly from Monday through Wednesday.

Why it matters

This storm comes just weeks after many NorCal ski resorts were forced to close early due to an unprecedented March heatwave, and could provide a much-needed boost of late-season snowfall for the region's mountains.

The details

The National Weather Service forecasts a 75% chance of rain and cold temperatures from late Sunday into mid-Tuesday across Northern California. The Bay Area will see highs in the 50s and 60s on Monday and Tuesday, with half an inch to 2 inches of rain expected. Higher elevations above 6,000 feet could see up to a foot of snow, with Truckee, Tahoe City, and South Lake Tahoe expected to get around 6 inches. Thunderstorms may also be possible on Tuesday.

  • The storm is expected to arrive as early as Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Rain chances will increase significantly from Monday, April 21 through Wednesday, April 23.
  • By Thursday, April 24, the chance of precipitation falls to the single digits.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

San Francisco Chronicle

A major daily newspaper serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

KCRA

A NBC-affiliated television station serving the Sacramento, California metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“Enjoy the weekend warmth! ☀️ Highs reach the 70s and low 80s this Saturday. 📈 Don't get too comfortable, though—unsettled weather returns late Sunday through Tuesday with widespread rain chances (up to 75%) and much cooler temps. 🌧️📉”

— NWS Bay Area

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updated forecasts and warnings as it approaches Northern California.

The takeaway

This late-season storm could provide a much-needed boost of snow for NorCal's ski resorts, which were forced to close early this year due to an unprecedented March heatwave. However, the heavy rain and thunderstorms also raise concerns about potential flooding and other weather-related impacts across the region.