Sacramento got last freeze warning of the season — but more chilly weather could be coming
The National Weather Service just issued its last freeze warning of the season for Sacramento — but that doesn’t mean the capital city is done with chilly weather.
The agency has two ways to measure the danger of freezing temperatures in the fall and winter.
Although the chance for a so-called “killing freeze” ended Tuesday, “We could still issue a hard freeze warning if needed,” the NWS said Tuesday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Freeze Warning has expired & will be the last one of the season, as we have reached freezing temps at many Valley locations. We could still issue Hard Freeze Warning (temperatures ≤ 28°F) if needed. Continue to check the forecast & plan accordingly when cold weather is expected! pic.twitter.com/gKQ15DtKC7
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 28, 2023
What is a killing freeze?
A killing freeze, also known as a first fall freeze, occurs when temperatures reach or fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Weather Service.
The freeze’s name refers to the frosty temperatures that could kill crops and other plants.
Temperatures below 32 degrees are “considered a killing freeze,” said Craig Shoemaker, a National Weather service meteorologist. “That kills any plants that have been left outside or that are susceptible to cool temperatures.”
Over the past few days, Sacramento has seen temperatures below 32 degrees, but it’s now “considered the end of the growing season,” Shoemaker said.
What is a hard freeze?
In contrast, a hard freeze occurs when temperatures drop to or below 28 degrees , the weather service.
The impacts of a hard freeze go beyond plants.
When temperatures drop below 28 degrees, plumbing systems can freeze and be damaged, Shoemaker said.
Hard freezes also pose a danger to unhoused people living outside.
“That’s more of a dangerous situation if you happen to be caught outside for a longer period of time,” Shoemaker said.
What’s the weather forecast for Sacramento?
According to the NWS, overnight temperatures in Sacramento will fluctuate, but won’t reach hard freeze levels this week.
Tuesday was expected to see overnight temperatures of 40 degrees, according to the Weather Service’s forecast.
Wednesday night will be the coldest night of the week with overnight temperatures reaching 39 degrees, the NWS said.
On Thursday, overnight temperatures will return to 40 degrees, then rise slightly on Friday night to 41 degrees.
There is a possibility for rain on Thursday in the Sacramento area, but not much.
A 10th of an inch of rain could fall in the Sacramento area, Shoemaker said, but it will be “very light in the valley areas.”
Cold temperatures are being observed across interior NorCal this morning. For the afternoon, you can expect mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies. To view your local forecast please visit https://t.co/7FMe5twj20 and enter your city/zip code! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/CgQKRbP3Kj
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 28, 2023
Will Tahoe, mountains get snow?
The storm will have larger consequences over the mountains and Interstate 80 on Thursday night, Shoemaker said. There is a possibility of snowfall in areas above four to 5,000 feet.
“We’re forecasting something like 3 to 6 inches” of snow, Shoemaker said, with an additional 3 to 5 inches on Saturday.
Overnight temperatures in Tahoe will gradually get cooler as the week continues.
Tuesday’s overnight low will reach 29 degrees, and Wednesday’s will reach 28 degrees.
Thursday and Friday will be the coldest nights with temperatures dipping to 25 degrees, according to the weather service forecast.
Daily temperatures for those days will range between 34 and 45 degrees.
With snowfall forecast in the mountains over the next three days, Shoemaker said some isolated areas could get close to a foot of snow.
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