Folsom Lake Level currently 31% of capacity, 77% of historical average
FOLSOM – As 2024 comes to an end, Mother Nature is set to make one last statement with a significant storm system moving into the Sacramento region. According to the Sacramento office of the National Weather Service (NWS), a series of storm fronts will bring rain, gusty winds, and mountain snow starting Thursday night and continuing into the weekend.
While the expected precipitation will impact holiday travel in some areas, its positive news for area water officials as reservoir levels continue to sit at some of the lowest points of the year. As of Thursday, Folsom Lake, which boasts 977,000 acre feet of storage space, was sitting at 303,668 acre feet. The lake level is currently 31% of capacity, but when it comes to historical readings it’s not that far off track, sitting at 77% of historical average for this date. The incoming storm front, should contribute to those numbers improving.
Cloudy skies will dominate Thursday, with light showers likely to begin in the late afternoon and evening. Rainfall is expected to intensify overnight, with totals reaching between half and three-quarters of an inch. Winds will increase significantly, prompting a Wind Advisory issued by the NWS from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday.
Southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, are expected. Residents are urged to secure holiday decorations and other loose outdoor items and to drive with caution, particularly if operating high-profile vehicles susceptible to wind.
On Friday, the storm will persist with scattered showers and gusty conditions continuing through the morning hours. Temperatures are forecast to reach a high near 56 degrees. The NWS indicates a 70% chance of rain early in the day, gradually decreasing to 50% by the evening. Winds could gust up to 32 mph in the morning before subsiding slightly overnight, with lows dipping to around 52 degrees. Rainfall on Friday will likely be lighter, with less than a tenth of an inch expected.
The weekend will see intermittent rain as the storm system gradually weakens. Showers are likely late Saturday into early Sunday morning, with a 40% chance of precipitation on Saturday night. Daytime highs on Saturday are expected to hover around 60 degrees, with mostly cloudy skies. Sunday will bring widespread showers, with the NWS predicting a 100% chance of rain during the day. Highs will reach about 57 degrees before the storm begins to clear by evening.
Looking ahead to early next week, the region can expect a return to calmer and cooler weather. Skies will clear Sunday night, giving way to partly sunny conditions on Monday, with highs near 53 degrees. However, colder nights will follow, with frost possible in the early morning hours on Tuesday as temperatures dip into the mid-30s. New Year’s Day is anticipated to be partly sunny, with a high near 54 degrees, offering a reprieve from the stormy conditions.
In higher elevations, snowfall will accompany the storm, creating hazardous travel conditions in the Sierra. The NWS has advised that strong winds, combined with rain and snow, could make travel difficult. Motorists heading to the mountains should prepare for winter weather, carry chains, and monitor road conditions closely.
This final storm of the year is a timely reminder of the region’s winter unpredictability. As the Sacramento area prepares to ring in the new year, residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions, including securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel during peak wind and rain periods, and staying informed through updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities.