Heather Waldman
@kcraheather.bsky.social
AMS Certified Broadcast meteorologist & climate science storyteller at KCRA 3 News in Sacramento, CA.
OFFSHORE WINDS NEXT WEEK
Early next week an area of low pressure will drop to the east of the Sierra, setting up dry offshore winds across the state.
This comes with a potentially high risk for wildfires in *Southern* California. But not in NorCal.
(1/?)
Early next week an area of low pressure will drop to the east of the Sierra, setting up dry offshore winds across the state.
This comes with a potentially high risk for wildfires in *Southern* California. But not in NorCal.
(1/?)
January 4, 2025 at 2:38 AM
OFFSHORE WINDS NEXT WEEK
Early next week an area of low pressure will drop to the east of the Sierra, setting up dry offshore winds across the state.
This comes with a potentially high risk for wildfires in *Southern* California. But not in NorCal.
(1/?)
Early next week an area of low pressure will drop to the east of the Sierra, setting up dry offshore winds across the state.
This comes with a potentially high risk for wildfires in *Southern* California. But not in NorCal.
(1/?)
After tomorrow's snow, the forecast is quiet for a while.
Precipitation "pauses" are normal, but hopefully this one won't linger too long.
For now, our major reservoirs are in good shape.
Precipitation "pauses" are normal, but hopefully this one won't linger too long.
For now, our major reservoirs are in good shape.
January 3, 2025 at 2:42 AM
After tomorrow's snow, the forecast is quiet for a while.
Precipitation "pauses" are normal, but hopefully this one won't linger too long.
For now, our major reservoirs are in good shape.
Precipitation "pauses" are normal, but hopefully this one won't linger too long.
For now, our major reservoirs are in good shape.
Today was @CA_DWR snow survey #1 for 2025.
The numbers are promising so far. But a lot can change between now and early April, when snowpack is usually biggest.
We've seen it change for the worse (2021-2022) AND for the better (2023-2024) the past 5 years.
The numbers are promising so far. But a lot can change between now and early April, when snowpack is usually biggest.
We've seen it change for the worse (2021-2022) AND for the better (2023-2024) the past 5 years.
January 3, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Today was @CA_DWR snow survey #1 for 2025.
The numbers are promising so far. But a lot can change between now and early April, when snowpack is usually biggest.
We've seen it change for the worse (2021-2022) AND for the better (2023-2024) the past 5 years.
The numbers are promising so far. But a lot can change between now and early April, when snowpack is usually biggest.
We've seen it change for the worse (2021-2022) AND for the better (2023-2024) the past 5 years.
More rain and snow for Friday!
It'll be a wet morning in the Valley, but nothing that roads and drains can't handle. Dry for the afternoon.
The Foothills will hang onto rain a few hours longer.
Winds may gust 25-30 mph as rain bands come through.
It'll be a wet morning in the Valley, but nothing that roads and drains can't handle. Dry for the afternoon.
The Foothills will hang onto rain a few hours longer.
Winds may gust 25-30 mph as rain bands come through.
January 3, 2025 at 12:38 AM
More rain and snow for Friday!
It'll be a wet morning in the Valley, but nothing that roads and drains can't handle. Dry for the afternoon.
The Foothills will hang onto rain a few hours longer.
Winds may gust 25-30 mph as rain bands come through.
It'll be a wet morning in the Valley, but nothing that roads and drains can't handle. Dry for the afternoon.
The Foothills will hang onto rain a few hours longer.
Winds may gust 25-30 mph as rain bands come through.
I'd take it.
most delightful outcome: the 12 team playoff ushers in a Penn State dynasty that never wins the conference but snags four straight national championships
January 2, 2025 at 1:11 AM
I'd take it.
Just a few sprinkles this afternoon. But Friday will be a wetter day (for a few hours).
Headed to the Sierra? Be ready for slow travel above 5000 feet. Pack the chains or cables if your car does not have AWD.
Headed to the Sierra? Be ready for slow travel above 5000 feet. Pack the chains or cables if your car does not have AWD.
January 2, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Just a few sprinkles this afternoon. But Friday will be a wetter day (for a few hours).
Headed to the Sierra? Be ready for slow travel above 5000 feet. Pack the chains or cables if your car does not have AWD.
Headed to the Sierra? Be ready for slow travel above 5000 feet. Pack the chains or cables if your car does not have AWD.
HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER 2024?
I looked back through my notes and the HEAT stands out more than anything.
This summer was the hottest on record for Sacramento. 51 days at 100°+ is also the highest count in a year.
And of course, there was the October heatwave.
I looked back through my notes and the HEAT stands out more than anything.
This summer was the hottest on record for Sacramento. 51 days at 100°+ is also the highest count in a year.
And of course, there was the October heatwave.
January 1, 2025 at 4:36 AM
HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER 2024?
I looked back through my notes and the HEAT stands out more than anything.
This summer was the hottest on record for Sacramento. 51 days at 100°+ is also the highest count in a year.
And of course, there was the October heatwave.
I looked back through my notes and the HEAT stands out more than anything.
This summer was the hottest on record for Sacramento. 51 days at 100°+ is also the highest count in a year.
And of course, there was the October heatwave.
Have you seen the phrase #polarvortex in your feeds the past couple days?
Click the link for a quick explainer of what's going on and how this pattern will affect weather in Northern California heading into January.
www.kcra.com/article/pola...
Click the link for a quick explainer of what's going on and how this pattern will affect weather in Northern California heading into January.
www.kcra.com/article/pola...
December 31, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Have you seen the phrase #polarvortex in your feeds the past couple days?
Click the link for a quick explainer of what's going on and how this pattern will affect weather in Northern California heading into January.
www.kcra.com/article/pola...
Click the link for a quick explainer of what's going on and how this pattern will affect weather in Northern California heading into January.
www.kcra.com/article/pola...
Christmas Eve day starts with rain in the Valley.
The afternoon and evening look mostly (if not totally) dry. That's your time for last-minute errands if you want to avoid wet weather.
The afternoon and evening look mostly (if not totally) dry. That's your time for last-minute errands if you want to avoid wet weather.
December 24, 2024 at 2:25 AM
Christmas Eve day starts with rain in the Valley.
The afternoon and evening look mostly (if not totally) dry. That's your time for last-minute errands if you want to avoid wet weather.
The afternoon and evening look mostly (if not totally) dry. That's your time for last-minute errands if you want to avoid wet weather.
Cool and wet Monday.
Once again, Sacramento and places north had much more rain than areas south. That's a typical pattern as these quick-hitting systems move through.
@kcranews.bsky.social
Once again, Sacramento and places north had much more rain than areas south. That's a typical pattern as these quick-hitting systems move through.
@kcranews.bsky.social
December 17, 2024 at 2:12 AM
Cool and wet Monday.
Once again, Sacramento and places north had much more rain than areas south. That's a typical pattern as these quick-hitting systems move through.
@kcranews.bsky.social
Once again, Sacramento and places north had much more rain than areas south. That's a typical pattern as these quick-hitting systems move through.
@kcranews.bsky.social
MONDAY
It's a soggy evening, but rain is moving out of the Valley.
The forecast is dry through Friday but rain and high elevation snow chances return Saturday.
#Christmas2024 week looks active for #NorCal. I'm on
KCRA 3 tonight with the forecast.
It's a soggy evening, but rain is moving out of the Valley.
The forecast is dry through Friday but rain and high elevation snow chances return Saturday.
#Christmas2024 week looks active for #NorCal. I'm on
KCRA 3 tonight with the forecast.
December 17, 2024 at 12:35 AM
MONDAY
It's a soggy evening, but rain is moving out of the Valley.
The forecast is dry through Friday but rain and high elevation snow chances return Saturday.
#Christmas2024 week looks active for #NorCal. I'm on
KCRA 3 tonight with the forecast.
It's a soggy evening, but rain is moving out of the Valley.
The forecast is dry through Friday but rain and high elevation snow chances return Saturday.
#Christmas2024 week looks active for #NorCal. I'm on
KCRA 3 tonight with the forecast.
ALLEY FORECAST (1/4)
Showers are winding down but more will be back for Friday morning. Nothing heavy, but roads will be wet.
Friday afternoon & evening will be dry. Use that time to secure anything outside. Saturday will be windy with a quick round of heavy rain.
Showers are winding down but more will be back for Friday morning. Nothing heavy, but roads will be wet.
Friday afternoon & evening will be dry. Use that time to secure anything outside. Saturday will be windy with a quick round of heavy rain.
December 13, 2024 at 1:41 AM
ALLEY FORECAST (1/4)
Showers are winding down but more will be back for Friday morning. Nothing heavy, but roads will be wet.
Friday afternoon & evening will be dry. Use that time to secure anything outside. Saturday will be windy with a quick round of heavy rain.
Showers are winding down but more will be back for Friday morning. Nothing heavy, but roads will be wet.
Friday afternoon & evening will be dry. Use that time to secure anything outside. Saturday will be windy with a quick round of heavy rain.
RAIN & SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Our in-house forecast model shows beneficial rain at a time that won't be much of a bother.
Most if not all rain is done before the Thursday AM commute.
Snow will linger longer. Plan for chain controls Thursday morning on 80, 50 & 88.
Our in-house forecast model shows beneficial rain at a time that won't be much of a bother.
Most if not all rain is done before the Thursday AM commute.
Snow will linger longer. Plan for chain controls Thursday morning on 80, 50 & 88.
December 11, 2024 at 12:42 AM
RAIN & SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Our in-house forecast model shows beneficial rain at a time that won't be much of a bother.
Most if not all rain is done before the Thursday AM commute.
Snow will linger longer. Plan for chain controls Thursday morning on 80, 50 & 88.
Our in-house forecast model shows beneficial rain at a time that won't be much of a bother.
Most if not all rain is done before the Thursday AM commute.
Snow will linger longer. Plan for chain controls Thursday morning on 80, 50 & 88.
PATTERN CHANGE?
It's possible, but not for another week.
The forecast is dry through next Thursday. By that point, it'll be close to three weeks without widespread rain in Northern California.
Models are leaning towards an end to that lull by next weekend.
It's possible, but not for another week.
The forecast is dry through next Thursday. By that point, it'll be close to three weeks without widespread rain in Northern California.
Models are leaning towards an end to that lull by next weekend.
December 7, 2024 at 2:28 AM
PATTERN CHANGE?
It's possible, but not for another week.
The forecast is dry through next Thursday. By that point, it'll be close to three weeks without widespread rain in Northern California.
Models are leaning towards an end to that lull by next weekend.
It's possible, but not for another week.
The forecast is dry through next Thursday. By that point, it'll be close to three weeks without widespread rain in Northern California.
Models are leaning towards an end to that lull by next weekend.
Through 11/30, 2024 is tied for Sacramento's 2nd warmest year on record.
2014 is the hottest year for the city when averaging the temperature over 12 months.
It is HIGHLY unlikely 2024 catches 2024. December would have to be 8º above average.
@kcranews.bsky.social
2014 is the hottest year for the city when averaging the temperature over 12 months.
It is HIGHLY unlikely 2024 catches 2024. December would have to be 8º above average.
@kcranews.bsky.social
December 5, 2024 at 3:06 AM
Through 11/30, 2024 is tied for Sacramento's 2nd warmest year on record.
2014 is the hottest year for the city when averaging the temperature over 12 months.
It is HIGHLY unlikely 2024 catches 2024. December would have to be 8º above average.
@kcranews.bsky.social
2014 is the hottest year for the city when averaging the temperature over 12 months.
It is HIGHLY unlikely 2024 catches 2024. December would have to be 8º above average.
@kcranews.bsky.social
Very little change in the forecast for the next few days.
A north breeze will end the hazy, foggy pattern for the Valley late Sunday.
Forecast details are here: www.kcra.com/article/norc...
A north breeze will end the hazy, foggy pattern for the Valley late Sunday.
Forecast details are here: www.kcra.com/article/norc...
NorCal forecast: Here's when the hazy, foggy pattern will end
The forecast will stay dry even once the air clears out.
www.kcra.com
December 5, 2024 at 12:35 AM
Very little change in the forecast for the next few days.
A north breeze will end the hazy, foggy pattern for the Valley late Sunday.
Forecast details are here: www.kcra.com/article/norc...
A north breeze will end the hazy, foggy pattern for the Valley late Sunday.
Forecast details are here: www.kcra.com/article/norc...
#NorCal is in a stretch of quiet weather that'll go on at least another week.
Not many clouds, but it's hazy in the Valley. This is the view Tuesday evening in Fairfield.
For most, the haze is harmless. But there are some burning restrictions to help maintain air quality.
Not many clouds, but it's hazy in the Valley. This is the view Tuesday evening in Fairfield.
For most, the haze is harmless. But there are some burning restrictions to help maintain air quality.
December 4, 2024 at 1:26 AM
#NorCal is in a stretch of quiet weather that'll go on at least another week.
Not many clouds, but it's hazy in the Valley. This is the view Tuesday evening in Fairfield.
For most, the haze is harmless. But there are some burning restrictions to help maintain air quality.
Not many clouds, but it's hazy in the Valley. This is the view Tuesday evening in Fairfield.
For most, the haze is harmless. But there are some burning restrictions to help maintain air quality.
“She wrapped up her d@*m cat!”
No, Albus is not getting boxed up.
But he is “helping” with some early gift wrapping.
It’s the last night of my holiday break. See you tomorrow on @kcranews.bsky.social 🎁
No, Albus is not getting boxed up.
But he is “helping” with some early gift wrapping.
It’s the last night of my holiday break. See you tomorrow on @kcranews.bsky.social 🎁
December 3, 2024 at 2:52 AM
“She wrapped up her d@*m cat!”
No, Albus is not getting boxed up.
But he is “helping” with some early gift wrapping.
It’s the last night of my holiday break. See you tomorrow on @kcranews.bsky.social 🎁
No, Albus is not getting boxed up.
But he is “helping” with some early gift wrapping.
It’s the last night of my holiday break. See you tomorrow on @kcranews.bsky.social 🎁
MONDAY MORNING
A stretch of cold mornings, fireplace use, holiday traffic & no wind means cruddy air for the Valley.
Air Quality Index around 150 this morning which is bordering on “unhealthy” for those with a respiratory condition.
Here’s how to check AQ kcra.com/article/cali...
A stretch of cold mornings, fireplace use, holiday traffic & no wind means cruddy air for the Valley.
Air Quality Index around 150 this morning which is bordering on “unhealthy” for those with a respiratory condition.
Here’s how to check AQ kcra.com/article/cali...
December 2, 2024 at 3:08 PM
MONDAY MORNING
A stretch of cold mornings, fireplace use, holiday traffic & no wind means cruddy air for the Valley.
Air Quality Index around 150 this morning which is bordering on “unhealthy” for those with a respiratory condition.
Here’s how to check AQ kcra.com/article/cali...
A stretch of cold mornings, fireplace use, holiday traffic & no wind means cruddy air for the Valley.
Air Quality Index around 150 this morning which is bordering on “unhealthy” for those with a respiratory condition.
Here’s how to check AQ kcra.com/article/cali...
Valley fog is a possibility starting late Wednesday night and lasting into Thanksgiving morning. There may be a couple more days like that through the weekend.
Keep that in mind if you have plans. Whatever forms should clear up between 9:00 & 10:00 am.
Keep that in mind if you have plans. Whatever forms should clear up between 9:00 & 10:00 am.
November 27, 2024 at 1:50 AM
Valley fog is a possibility starting late Wednesday night and lasting into Thanksgiving morning. There may be a couple more days like that through the weekend.
Keep that in mind if you have plans. Whatever forms should clear up between 9:00 & 10:00 am.
Keep that in mind if you have plans. Whatever forms should clear up between 9:00 & 10:00 am.
Rain over the past week has been (overall) beneficial for Northern California.
But if you're ready for the sun to come back out, you don't have to wait much longer.
A sunny stretch starts on Wednesday. Thanksgiving looks great. It will be cold in the morning.
But if you're ready for the sun to come back out, you don't have to wait much longer.
A sunny stretch starts on Wednesday. Thanksgiving looks great. It will be cold in the morning.
November 26, 2024 at 4:24 AM
Rain over the past week has been (overall) beneficial for Northern California.
But if you're ready for the sun to come back out, you don't have to wait much longer.
A sunny stretch starts on Wednesday. Thanksgiving looks great. It will be cold in the morning.
But if you're ready for the sun to come back out, you don't have to wait much longer.
A sunny stretch starts on Wednesday. Thanksgiving looks great. It will be cold in the morning.
Runoff continues to flow into #NorCal reservoirs this week.
Look at Lake Oroville.
+20 FEET since rain started falling last week.
A miniscule rise on Folsom. Most of the rain in the American River basin soaked into the ground (also a good thing)
Look at Lake Oroville.
+20 FEET since rain started falling last week.
A miniscule rise on Folsom. Most of the rain in the American River basin soaked into the ground (also a good thing)
November 26, 2024 at 4:24 AM
Runoff continues to flow into #NorCal reservoirs this week.
Look at Lake Oroville.
+20 FEET since rain started falling last week.
A miniscule rise on Folsom. Most of the rain in the American River basin soaked into the ground (also a good thing)
Look at Lake Oroville.
+20 FEET since rain started falling last week.
A miniscule rise on Folsom. Most of the rain in the American River basin soaked into the ground (also a good thing)
Snowpack at the lab is now 300% of average for the date. That's great news!
BUT...the snowpack that's there now is just 13% of the average PEAK snowpack. A LOT of snow season still to go!
Sierra snowmelt accounts for about 30% of California's drinking water.
BUT...the snowpack that's there now is just 13% of the average PEAK snowpack. A LOT of snow season still to go!
Sierra snowmelt accounts for about 30% of California's drinking water.
11/23/2024 9:10 Update:
We had 12" (30.5 cm) of #snow fall in the last day that brings our 7-day total to 32.9" (83.5 cm). We have also made up for an early lack of precipitation (rain and snow).
More snow is expected through Tues with another 7-14" currently in our forecast.
We had 12" (30.5 cm) of #snow fall in the last day that brings our 7-day total to 32.9" (83.5 cm). We have also made up for an early lack of precipitation (rain and snow).
More snow is expected through Tues with another 7-14" currently in our forecast.
November 23, 2024 at 5:44 PM
Snowpack at the lab is now 300% of average for the date. That's great news!
BUT...the snowpack that's there now is just 13% of the average PEAK snowpack. A LOT of snow season still to go!
Sierra snowmelt accounts for about 30% of California's drinking water.
BUT...the snowpack that's there now is just 13% of the average PEAK snowpack. A LOT of snow season still to go!
Sierra snowmelt accounts for about 30% of California's drinking water.
**Sierra Travel**
Chain controls are already up starting at Kingvale on I-80.
Nothing yet for 50 or 88 but that will change this evening.
Travel is *not* recommended after sunset above 6000'.
Heavy snow (2"/hour+ at times) may force freeway closures overnight. @kcranews
Chain controls are already up starting at Kingvale on I-80.
Nothing yet for 50 or 88 but that will change this evening.
Travel is *not* recommended after sunset above 6000'.
Heavy snow (2"/hour+ at times) may force freeway closures overnight. @kcranews
November 22, 2024 at 11:21 PM
**Sierra Travel**
Chain controls are already up starting at Kingvale on I-80.
Nothing yet for 50 or 88 but that will change this evening.
Travel is *not* recommended after sunset above 6000'.
Heavy snow (2"/hour+ at times) may force freeway closures overnight. @kcranews
Chain controls are already up starting at Kingvale on I-80.
Nothing yet for 50 or 88 but that will change this evening.
Travel is *not* recommended after sunset above 6000'.
Heavy snow (2"/hour+ at times) may force freeway closures overnight. @kcranews
(1/4) THURSDAY EVENING
Rain is slowly lifting north. Many in the
@kcranews.bsky.social viewing area will be dry overnight.
Friday will be wet and breezy most of the day.
Rain is slowly lifting north. Many in the
@kcranews.bsky.social viewing area will be dry overnight.
Friday will be wet and breezy most of the day.
November 22, 2024 at 1:25 AM
(1/4) THURSDAY EVENING
Rain is slowly lifting north. Many in the
@kcranews.bsky.social viewing area will be dry overnight.
Friday will be wet and breezy most of the day.
Rain is slowly lifting north. Many in the
@kcranews.bsky.social viewing area will be dry overnight.
Friday will be wet and breezy most of the day.