Rain and Snow Move Across Northern California

Showers hit the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley while snow develops in the Sierra on Election Day.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wide landscape photograph of rain-soaked valley farmland under gray overcast skies, with snow-dusted mountain peaks and dark conifer forest rising on the horizon. — Steady rain moved through the Sacramento Valley on Election Day as snow began developing in the Sierra Nevada after noon, with chain controls possible in the mountains. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Rain showers moved from the Bay Area into the Sacramento Valley after sunrise on November 3, with steady rainfall in Sacramento between 10:00 am and noon. Snow began developing in the Sierra after noon as snow levels reached around 6500 feet.

Why it matters

Rain and mountain snow affect travel conditions across Northern California, including the Sierra where chain controls are possible. Conditions are forecast to clear and temperatures to warm into mid-week.

Sierra Passes snowfall totals are forecast at 1-3 inches, with a snow level near 6500 feet. Valley rainfall totals range from trace to .30 inches, while Foothills totals range from .25-.75 inches.

The details

Steady rainfall moved through the Sacramento Valley and was followed by scattered showers through sunset. Snow showers increased in the Sierra during the early evening, and chain controls are possible there.

Steady rainfall fell in Sacramento between 10:00 am and noon on November 3.
Sierra snow began developing after noon on November 3.
Rain picked up over the Foothills in the afternoon through early evening on November 3.
Sierra snow showers increased in the early evening on November 3.
Temperatures are expected to warm into mid-week after the snow and clouds clear.

Seasonal Patterns

Early-November snow in the Sierra at roughly 6500-foot snow levels is a routine seasonal pattern for Northern California mountain weather. The mid-week warming that follows reflects the typical short-lived nature of autumn storm systems in the region.

Drivers planning to travel through the Sierra should check for chain controls during the early evening, when snow showers are expected to increase. Motorists should carry chains and allow extra travel time in mountain areas.

The takeaway

Brief rain and mountain snow can change travel conditions quickly in Northern California, so checking forecasts before heading into the Sierra is a useful habit. Temperatures are expected to warm into mid-week once the system clears.