Will anyone in Northern CA have a white Christmas? Here’s your holiday forecast
Will anyone in Northern California have a white Christmas? What should Sacramento residents expect for the holidays?
Here’s what the National Weather Service said to expect this week:
How will the weather look leading up to the holidays?
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Sacramento area is predicted to have a 40% chance of showers and patchy fog before 7 p.m, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures are expected reach a high of 54 degrees and low 53 degrees. There will be southeast wind expected to 7 mph to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph, according to the weather service.
How will Christmas Eve look in the Sacramento area?
On Wednesday, Dec. 24, the National Weather Service predicts showers with thunderstorms and patchy fog before the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high of near 55 degrees with south southeast winds of 9 mph to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Temperatures will reach a low around 53 degrees and showers between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 a.m.
How likely is snow on Christmas in the Sacramento area?
It is very unlikely for the Sacramento area to see snow this holiday season.
On Christmas Day, weather officials predict showers and possibly thunderstorms with temperatures high near 54 degrees and a 100% chance of precipitation. Temperatures will hit a low of around 48 degrees.
The city has never seen large amounts of snow, partly due to its elevation, the Bee previously reported. The Sacramento Valley trends warmer and the flurries we get don’t usually stick.
Latest doppler radar loop for Northern California
Winter storm watches in the mountains
A winter storm warning was issued by the NWS Sacramento on Monday, Dec. 22, at 10:15 a.m. for Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada.
From Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 p.m. to Friday, Dec. 26, the forecast predicts heavy snow in areas above 5,500 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
There will be up to 1 foot of snow in areas above 5,500 feet and 3 to 6 feet above areas in 6,500 feet, locally higher at highest peaks.
The weather will include southwest gusts as high as 55 mph.
The National Weather Service warns drivers of dangerous travel conditions and recommends chain controls for vehicles with the expectation of road closures.
Drivers should expect localized tree damage, power outages and low visibility due to the combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds.
This story was originally published December 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM.