A significant winter storm is impacting Northern California from Monday through early Wednesday, bringing rain, snow, and strong winds, especially affecting mountain passes and higher elevations.

Travelers are advised to check road conditions, inform others of their plans, and stay prepared for stranded situations, including making vehicles visible and avoiding walking to safety.

Moisture from Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond will enhance rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding, especially in burn scar areas, with rainfall totals in Central California reaching over an inch in some locations.

Temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with highs around 72°F in Sacramento, a 10-degree decrease from the previous day, and snow levels dropping, leading to early snow at higher elevations.

La Niña conditions are associated with near-normal precipitation in the Central Valley, but Southern California remains drier, raising drought concerns as the climate pattern reemerges.

While October is typically dry, early-season storms like this are not unusual, and this storm is characterized by a deep low-pressure system that is colder and potentially stronger than usual for this time of year.

Current weather shows Sacramento at 72°F with northwest winds at 24 mph, shifting to southerly as the storm develops, with wind gusts possibly reaching 45 mph in some areas.

Air quality remains 'good' to 'moderate,' with blowing dust and pollen from weeds like sage and wormwood, but the main concern is the storm's impact on travel and outdoor activities.

Temperatures are expected to rebound later in the week into the upper 70s and low 80s, but another wind event early next week may cause temperatures to dip again.

The return of La Niña after a dry year could lead to a drier winter overall, potentially worsening fire risks in California.

Rainfall rates during the peak of the storm could reach 0.10 to 0.33 inches per hour, with a 10-20% chance of thunderstorms, and a remote risk of severe weather including strong winds or tornadoes.

The wet season in California peaks from December to March, with about 82% of annual rainfall typically falling during this period, marking the transition into the rainy season.