California will experience a mix of warm sunshine, thick fog and cooler temperatures this Thanksgiving weekend. While the coast and mountains warm up, the Central Valley will deal with heavy morning fog and chilly afternoons. Even with these big differences, no major storms are expected across the state.
Warmest Thanksgiving in Years for Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada could see record warmth this year. Lake Tahoe may experience its warmest Thanksgiving in nearly 30 years, with Tahoe City expected to reach 59°F. The region will enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures.
Warm Weather Along the California Coast
Coastal areas will also see above-normal temperatures. San Francisco is expected to reach the low to mid-60s under mostly sunny skies. Southern California will enjoy ideal holiday weather with temperatures near 70°F in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange County and San Diego.
Dense Fog in the Central Valley
While much of the state enjoys sunshine, the Central Valley will remain the major exception.
Thick fog is expected Thursday morning, with visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or less. This low visibility may last late into the morning and could delay warming in the afternoon. Cities including Sacramento, Fresno, Chico and Bakersfield will stay in the mid- to upper 50s — slightly cooler than normal for late November.
Travel Safety Tips for Foggy Conditions
- Reduce speed when visibility drops.
- Use low-beam headlights.
- Travel after 11 a.m. when conditions are expected to improve.
- Be extra careful on Highway 99, Interstate 5 and I-80.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Friday’s weather will look similar statewide, but changes begin Saturday and Sunday. A high-pressure system that kept California warm and dry all week will weaken as a cold low-pressure system approaches the western U.S.
Will There Be Rain?
No rain is expected from this system, but winds will increase just enough to improve air quality and break up the fog in Northern California by Sunday. Temperatures will return to normal, with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s from the coast to the valley.
However, the San Joaquin Valley may continue to experience cloudy skies and cooler conditions even after the system passes.
Will Lake Tahoe Get Snow?
The Sierra Nevada will cool down over the weekend, but the incoming system is expected to stay far to the east, mainly affecting Idaho. As a result, Tahoe is unlikely to get significant snowfall.
Light flurries are possible, but the snowpack will remain below average. Meteorologists say the colder air will help ski resorts make artificial snow for longer periods.
December Weather Preview
California will likely start December with more dry weather. No rain is expected anywhere in the state until at least December 3. A large-scale atmospheric pattern across the Northern Hemisphere is keeping some regions wet and leaving others, like California, unusually dry.
A few weather models suggest Southern California might see rain around December 4 or 5, but a statewide storm remains unlikely. Northern California is expected to stay drier than normal during the first week of December.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving weekend in California brings a unique weather mix: near-record warmth in the Sierra, sunny coastal conditions, and dense fog in the Central Valley. While the weekend starts warm and dry, slight cooling and improved visibility are expected by Sunday as a weak system moves through. As December approaches, the state is expected to stay mostly dry, with only limited chances of rain in Southern California.
