‘Coldest storm of the season’ to hit California. See best times to drive
Drivers should plan carefully as the next round of winter weather hits the Sierra Nevada, according to the California Department of Transportation.
According to the National Weather Service, the “coldest storm of the season” is forecast to arrive this weekend, bringing widespread rain, gusty winds and significant snowfall to the mountains.
Rain is expected to drench California, including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, Fresno and San Luis Obispo, the National Weather Service said in area forecast discussions on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Caltrans said that weather system will also bring “hazardous” driving conditions to the mountains.
Here’s what you need to know:
When should I drive for Presidents’ Day weekend?
Higher elevations could get up to 8 feet of snow as a result of the storm, Caltrans said in a Friday, Feb. 13, news release.
The best travel times for motorists headed to the mountains for Presidents’ Day weekend are Friday through Sunday morning.
The state roads agency “highly discouraged” hitting the road from late Sunday to “at least Wednesday.”
Travelers should prepare for inclement weather by making sure vehicles have full tanks of gas, tire chains and extra supplies in the event of an emergency, Caltrans said.
“Those supplies should include but are not limited to: extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight,” the agency said.
How much snow will Sierra Nevada get?
Forecasters with the National Weather Service warned the snow impact could be “major.”
Snow levels are expected to begin around 5,500 feet starting Sunday, Feb. 15, and continue through Tuesday, Feb. 17.
By Tuesday, snow levels could drop as low as 3,000 feet, increasing the risk of travel disruptions in mountain areas, the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Thursday, Feb. 12.
When will thunderstorms drench California?
California is expected to see at least three separate storms through next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The first storm is likely to arrive Sunday, Feb. 15, or early on Monday, Feb. 16.
“Timing for this and the following storms will be refined as we get closer to arrival,” the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Thursday. “In the meantime, the first system appears to be the strongest in terms of overall rainfall amounts and rain rates.”
Like the weather system that recently swept through the Golden State, the series of storms will move quickly — but it’s larger, meaning it will take longer to pass through the region, the weather agency said.
This includes heavier bursts of rain and possible isolated thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, most coastal and valley areas could see 1 to 2 inches of rain on Monday, while higher elevations could get 2 to 4 inches.
“There is about a 20% chance that this first storm will generate” up to 3 inches in lower elevations and 6 inches in the mountains if the storm strengthens, the weather agency said.
What’s in the forecast for Sacramento?
Skies were expected to be “mostly sunny” in Sacramento on Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast.
Rain will likely return Saturday night, when there’s an 30% chance of showers. The high temperature will be near 59 degrees, and the low temperature will be around 48 degrees. Winds will be light at about 6 mph.
Rain remains likely Sunday, when there’s a 60% chance of showers. The high will be near 59, and the low will drop to around 48.
With a high near 53 and a low of about 44 degrees, Monday’s forecast calls for more “showers and possibly a thunderstorm,” the National Weather Service said.
Rain remains in Sacramento’s weather forecast through Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Will it snow near Lake Tahoe?
According to the National Weather Service, snow levels in Northern California are expected to remain above 5,000 feet elevation.
The latest forecast for South Lake Tahoe shows snowfall beginning Sunday, Feb. 15, with wintry conditions expected to continue through Wednesday, Feb. 18.
When will Modesto see wet weather?
After a brief period of sunny skies on Friday, rain is expected to return to Modesto, according to the latest seven-day weather forecast.
There is a 10% chance of showers on Saturday.
Rain becomes more likely on Sunday, with a 60% chance of showers and temperatures reaching a high near 62 degrees and a low around 50.
Wet weather is expected to continue through Wednesday, bringing several days of stormy conditions.
When will it rain in Merced? Fresno?
Rain is forecast to begin Sunday in both Merced and Fresno.
Showers are expected to continue through Wednesday, with chances of thunderstorms, according to the latest forecasts.
Will San Luis Obispo see rain?
The San Luis Obispo area should stay sunny through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Clouds will increase Saturday, with a 30% chance of rain.
Showers — and possibly thunderstorms — are expected to develop and continue through Wednesday, Feb. 18, bringing several days of wet weather to the area.
This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 3:15 PM with the headline "‘Coldest storm of the season’ to hit California. See best times to drive."
