Sacramento, California, has experienced a relatively mild start to the winter season of 2023-2024, a notable contrast to the significant atmospheric river events that impacted Northern California in November. While the initial weeks of December have been devoid of substantial, prolonged storms, the overall weather pattern suggests a mild and wet winter for the region. This mildness is evident in the temperature trends observed in Sacramento.
Temperature data analyzed by Pricing Culture’s Processed Webdata, sourced from the National Weather Service (NWS), reveals that Sacramento’s average temperature on December 15th, 2023, was anticipated to be 49 degrees Fahrenheit. This represents a 1.6 degree increase above the five-year historical average of 47.4 degrees, further supporting the observation of a milder start to the winter season. This deviation from historical averages underscores the unusual weather patterns experienced so far.
A closer examination of daily temperatures throughout December provides a more nuanced understanding of this mild trend. On December 1st, temperatures were considered normal, with a low of 41 degrees and a high of 59 degrees. However, from December 2nd to 9th, while low temperatures remained within the typical range, high temperatures consistently trended warmer, surpassing the norm by 5 to 8 degrees, often reaching the mid-60s. This sustained period of above-average high temperatures contributed significantly to the overall perception of mild weather.
While the trend of warmer-than-usual high temperatures dominated the first part of December, a brief period of colder weather punctuated this pattern. On December 13th, Sacramento experienced a significant drop in temperature, with the low plummeting to 32 degrees, resulting in frost across the area. This temporary shift towards colder conditions serves as a reminder of the inherent variability of winter weather, even within a generally mild trend.
The return to milder conditions was swift. On the morning of December 14th, the temperature had already rebounded to 47 degrees, largely due to the arrival of a storm system bringing cloud cover and wind. This rapid temperature increase highlights the influence of weather systems on local conditions and how cloud cover and wind can moderate temperatures, preventing further drops, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
The influx of these storm systems, expected to continue throughout the week, will further impact temperature trends. While low temperatures are projected to remain significantly above normal, the accompanying cloud cover and precipitation will likely moderate daytime high temperatures. This interplay between storm systems and temperature fluctuations creates a complex and dynamic weather pattern. The NWS Climate Prediction Center further reinforces this expectation of above-average temperatures, forecasting warmer-than-usual conditions across California for at least the next two weeks.
Despite the overall mild conditions in lower elevations, higher elevations around Sacramento were not exempt from winter weather impacts. Winter weather advisories were issued for these mountainous regions, effective December 14th, in anticipation of the incoming storm systems. These advisories warned of significant snowfall, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches above 5000 feet and potentially higher amounts over peaks. Lower elevations, down to around 3500 feet in Shasta County, were also expected to receive 4 to 9 inches of snow. The advisories also highlighted potential travel difficulties due to snow and high winds gusting up to 40 mph.
The anticipated storms mark a return to wetter conditions after a relatively dry period following Thanksgiving. The forecast for the upcoming weekend predicts further rain and mountain snow, signifying a continuation of the wet pattern. This shift towards a more active weather pattern is expected to maintain milder overnight and morning temperatures while moderating daytime highs. The NWS Sacramento office has also issued flood-related weather alerts for coastal regions within its forecast area, anticipating potential flooding concerns associated with the approaching storm system.
The overall weather picture for Sacramento thus presents a complex and evolving scenario. While the initial weeks of December have been characterized by mild temperatures, particularly in terms of daytime highs, the arrival of storm systems introduces both precipitation and potential temperature moderation. The combination of a generally mild trend punctuated by colder spells and the anticipated return of wetter conditions suggests a dynamic and potentially variable winter season ahead. The contrasting conditions between lower elevations and higher mountainous regions further emphasize the complexity of the weather patterns impacting the Sacramento area. The NWS continues to monitor these evolving conditions, issuing advisories and warnings as needed to keep the public informed of potential hazards. The upcoming weeks will reveal how these current trends evolve and shape the remainder of the winter season.
