By Sacramento Daily Press Staff

A rare winter setup is lining up over Northern California tonight, and forecasters say parts of the Sacramento Valley could wake up to actual snow on the ground.

A cold, moisture-rich band currently stretching from Redding down through Marysville and Yuba City is expected to push through the northern and central valley between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Wednesday, bringing conditions cold enough for snow flurries or light accumulations down to around 100 feet.

Communities that could see flakes include:

Redding, Anderson, Cottonwood, Red Bluff, Los Molinos, Corning, Orland, Chico, Willows, Oroville, Gridley, Live Oak, Colusa, Yuba City, and Marysville.

While Sacramento itself will likely stay in cold rain, the radar already shows heavy bands over the northern valley, where temperatures are expected to dip just low enough for snow to mix in. Sunday’s system delivered a surprise dusting in Redding, and meteorologists note that tomorrow morning’s setup is similar — or even slightly colder.

Drivers heading north on I-5 or east toward the foothills should be prepared for slick roads, reduced visibility, and sudden weather changes. Any accumulation is expected to be light, but even a thin layer can impact early-morning travel.

This type of event is uncommon but not unheard of, and the National Weather Service will update advisories through the night as temperatures continue to fall.

Residents across the valley are encouraged to monitor the forecast and check road conditions before the morning commute.