Will Memorial Day weather feel like summer? Here’s what to expect in the Sacramento region
Warm and sunny weather is expected in Sacramento, as we head into a long weekend for Memorial Day — but it’s another story if you’re hitting the road.
As of Tuesday, forecasts for the weekend in the capital city include sunshine, mostly clear skies and temperatures in the 80s. Friday kicks off the weekend with a high near 76 degrees and low around 53 degrees. Saturday and Sunday are expected near 81 with lows near 54. This continues into Memorial Day, as highs are forecast near 81.
If you’re headed out of town this weekend, the weather might look a lot different. San Francisco’s highs for the weekend are around 63 and the lows are near 52. It’ll be partly sunny most days with Monday being the sunniest.
Going into the Tahoe area, forecasts are showing a chance of rain Friday, Saturday and Monday. Snow is possible at elevations above 9,200 feet. Highs are near 65 and lows around 34. From Saturday to Monday, highs go up to 70 and lows near 35.
Chance of showers & storms linger thru the weekend, with best chance Wed-Fri. Temps will slowly cool thru the week & feel more like late May warmth instead of early July! ️️#cawx #nvwx pic.twitter.com/wmAhVYD2Tu
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) May 22, 2023
River warning
It might be tempting to cool off in nearby rivers this weekend, but think twice.
Snowmelt in the mountains is resulting in fast and cold currents in California rivers, officials have warned since April.. Multiple people over the last few weekends have been reported missing and presumed drowned, The Bee reported Thursday. Officials across Northern California counties are urging people to stay out of area waterways.
Spread the Word: Regional Parks is urging residents to stay off the river until further notice. Releases from Folsom Lake into the American River are expected to increase to 15,000 cubic feet per second tonight and into tomorrow! This is incredibly swift and dangerous. pic.twitter.com/4AsIHUZgJB
— SacRegionalParks (@SacRegionalPark) May 22, 2023
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, water temperatures at American River by Watt Avenue Bridge wer about 54 degrees and by the William B Pond Park, about 53 degrees, according to the California Nevada River Forecast Center. Even for an experienced swimmer, cold water temperatures can create difficult conditions, the National Weather Service recently told The Bee. Taking a plunge into cold water can be a shock to the body, and in some cases can become deadly.
Parts of Sacramento parks and amenities are closed due to the current and rising water levels, including the Watt Ave Access and the Popular Rancho Cordova-based American River Raft Rentals.
Don’t swim in Northern California rivers, officials warn. How cold and fast is the water?
What to do this weekend?
Most Sacramento pools won’t open for the season until June.
But if you need to cool down this long weekend, North Natomas Aquatic Complex will be open everyday starting Saturday. You can also stop by Clunie Pool at 601 Alhambra Blvd.
When do Sacramento pools open for the summer? Here’s when and where you can dive in
The Sacramento County Fair also returns this Memorial Day weekend, from Thursday to Monday.
Sacramento County Fair returns to Cal Expo this week. Here’s what a $10 ticket gets you
Located at Cal Expo, the fair will feature competitions, food, carnival rides and free concerts.
If you’re looking to kick off your weekend with some music, Sacramento’s been hosting the free Concerts in the Park each Friday at Cesar Chavez Plaza in downtown.
This weekend, Rain City Drive, A Foreign Affair, NVTURES GHOST, Serialist and DJ Nesss will be taking the stage.
Grammy-winning artist is coming to Sacramento’s 30th season of free Concerts in the Park
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