Why do Sacramento roads get so slippery during rain? Here’s what to know as showers return
Drivers in the Sacramento area should watch out for slick roads as rain returns to the capital region, according to the National Weather Service.
“Be sure to slow down over wet pavements as conditions maybe slick this time of year,” the weather service said in an X post on Monday, Sept. 16.
Motor oil leaks from cars onto roads and driveways, mixing with rain to create slippery surfaces, according to meteorologist Anna Wanless with the National Weather Service.
“People aren’t necessarily comfortable driving in the rain, especially if it’s been awhile,” Wanless told The Sacramento Bee in 2022. “So just give yourself extra time to get to work. ... Expect a longer commute home as well.”
How to drive safely on roads during rain
Rain, coupled with speeds of 50 mph or more can result in your tires losing contact with the road, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ California Driver Handbook.
When it rains, drive up to 10 mph slower.
“Slow down at the first sign of rain, especially after a dry spell,” The DMV wrote on its website. “A slippery road will not give your tires the grip they need.”
If your vehicle starts “riding on water” or hydroplaning, slow your car down gradually. Do not use the brakes.
How much rain will Northern California get?
Sacramento saw some rain on Monday morning.
More showers are headed to Northern California along with breezy winds, the weather service said on X, adding that temperatures in the region will be 15 to 25 degrees cooler than normal.
There’s a 10% to 25% chance of thunderstorms along the northern Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada and foothills on Monday afternoon, the agency said.
“Brief heavy rain may lead to flash flooding (and) debris flow impacts over the Park Fire burn scar” near Chico, the weather service said.
According to the weather service, Sacramento and Redding could each get 0.05 inches of rain, while Chico could see 0.07 inches of precipitation.
San Jose could get 0.13 inches of rain, while Reno, Nevada, is expected to receive as much as 0.29 inches of rain, the weather service said.
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?
Monday was expected to be mostly sunny in Sacramento with a high temperature near 72 degrees and a low temperature around 56 degrees, according to the latest seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service.
Tuesday will see “increasing clouds” with a high near 76 and an overnight low around 60, the weather service said.
On Wednesday, there’s a 40% chance of showers during the day, with a 20% chance of showers before 11 p.m. that night.
The high will be near 74, and the low will dip to 58 overnight.
Sunny skies are expected Thursday, which will have a high near 82 and a low around 58.
More sunshine is forecast for Friday, when the high will be near 85 and the overnight low will be around 59.
Heading into the weekend, Sacramento can expect clear skies and rapidly soaring temperatures.
Saturday will have a high near 89 and a low around 62, while Sunday’s high will be near 92.
This story was originally published September 16, 2024 at 10:40 AM.
