California Temperatures Plunge as 'Unseasonably Cold' Storm Hits

California temperatures are expected to plunge by at least 20 degrees over the weekend, as a spring storm brings "unseasonably cold" weather to the region, the National Weather Service forecasts.

The state faced an abnormally wet winter as moisture-laden storms and atmospheric rivers dumped a deluge of rain and snow beginning in January. Three back-to-back storms recently brought heavy rain and snow across the state, supplementing many of the state's reservoirs. California has begun to emerge from the grip of winter weather, but parts of the state could see a return of cold temperatures over the weekend.

"Yet another roller coaster temperature week ahead! Warming temperatures with mid 80s in the Valley for mid-week, then another weather system and cold front will bring temperatures down late week and over the weekend," NWS Sacramento posted on X, formerly Twitter, on April 8.

Nathan Rick, an NWS meteorologist, told Newsweek that temperatures would dip to near normal on April 12 before the low-pressure system moved through the region this weekend.

"We are expecting a little bit of precipitation with this system as it moves through," Rick said, adding that any rain would be light.

There could be snow, with snow levels remaining higher at 5,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation. If snow occurs, it is expected to be light and not comparable to the recent winter storms that have buried parts of the state.

Frigid temperatures gripped California last weekend, dipping as low as the mid-20s in some areas. The drop in temperatures spurred warnings to protect plants, pets and people susceptible to the dangers of cold weather, such as homeless people. Temperatures have started to exhibit a dramatic upswing this week, bringing a "taste of summer" to the region, NWS said in an X post.

The post added that temperatures would become unsettled once again by the weekend.

Despite the approaching storm, no weather warnings related to it have been issued as of Tuesday morning. Rick said meteorologists were tracking the storm, and that it was possible a winter-weather advisory could be issued depending on its progression.

Rick added that once the storm moved out of the region, temperatures would take a bit longer to return to normal. Low 70s are expected by Monday and mid-70s by Tuesday. No frost advisory is expected with the storm, and the warm-up is not expected to be "as drastic" as it was last week after the weekend cold spell, the meteorologist said.

"It'll be cooler," Rick continued, "but not particularly cold."