A pair of weather systems is moving across California from later Thursday through Monday, bringing a period of unsettled weather across the state.
Forecasters expect widespread rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and mountain snow to impact several regions and will be felt across California, including Central Coast areas.
The evolving weather patterns signal a shift towards cooler and more active conditions statewide. Northern California is expected to face stronger impacts, including the potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy snowfall in some regions.
Meanwhile, the Central Coast regions are experiencing steady rain, isolated storms, and lowering snow levels.
Good morning NorCal! Active weather continues today, with more widespread thunderstorm chances this afternoon and evening. When thunder roars, head indoors! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/bKxVNeaZe8
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) April 9, 2026
Conditions are expected to improve, with drier and warmer weather conditions returning next week.
Two upper-level low-pressure systems are driving the current weather pattern. The first system has already begun affecting Northern California, producing showers and thunderstorms that are expected to continue through Friday.
Further south, lighter impacts are expected initially. Light showers are likely to develop in San Luis Obispo County before spreading into Santa Barbara and Ventura counties by Friday.
Rainfall from this first system is expected to remain limited in these areas. However, Northern California could experience more active conditions, including gusty winds, lightning, and small hail.
For San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, the NWS forecasted cool and unsettled conditions with periods of rain this weekend.
Rain chances will increase starting Friday and peak over the weekend.
The pattern will remain on and off, with occasional breaks allowing for some sunshine. Thunderstorm chances are expected to range between 15% and 30%, especially from late Saturday through Sunday.
Total rainfall is expected to fall between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, with higher amounts possible in mountainous areas and locations affected by thunderstorms.
A low system will bring widespread rain, mtn snow & poss tstms w/rain starting as early as Thur night. Expecting about 0.50 to 1.50″ of rain, higher totals for the mtns/foothills/tstms. There is also a 10-20% chc for a dusting of snow for the Grapevine late Sun-early Mon. pic.twitter.com/WnJELumFSS
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) April 9, 2026
A second and stronger system is forecasted to arrive late Saturday into Sunday, bringing a more significant round of weather across the state, according to the NWS area forecast.
This system is expected to increase rainfall totals and raise the chances of thunderstorms.
Across the region, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, rainfall totals are projected to range from 0.5 to 1 inch.
Higher amounts are possible in foothill and mountain areas. Thunderstorms during this period could produce heavy downpours, lightning, small hail, and gusty winds.
Rainfall precipitation is expected to reach between 0.25 and 0.50 inches per hour, with isolated stronger storms producing more intense bursts of rain.
Mountain regions across California are expected to receive significant snowfall as colder air moves in.
In Northern California, heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions are likely, with snow levels dropping below major mountain passes.
In Southern California, snow levels are expected to fall from around 7,000 to 8,000 feet to near 5,000 feet by late Sunday. Up to 6 inches of snow could accumulate above 6,000 feet.
There is also a 10% to 20% chance of light snow near the Grapevine.
The storm systems are expected to begin moving out by Monday. Some lingering showers may continue, mainly in mountain regions.
By Monday night into Tuesday, dry conditions are expected to return across the state.
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