Forecast: Much-Needed Rain In Forecast Today, Friday

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Much-needed rain started falling in the Sacramento region Thursday and more is expected on Friday.

Thick cloud cover is streaming southward and helped to keep temperatures in the mid 40s Thursday morning. The downpour picked up around the lunch hour in El Dorado Hills.

"You know it's a little tough. I prefer the sunshine," said Jack Edwards. "I like to do things outside."

The rain band is in the north end of the valley and stretches from Clearlake to Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Oroville and down to Marysville. These areas saw the first rains Thursday morning.

There will be breaks from the rain Thursday afternoon, which will bring instability and possible thundershowers.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday. Unsettled weather will be sticking with us until Friday afternoon.

Snow levels are expected to drop to 2,500 feet in the Sierra foothills.

Highs Thursday will remain in the mid-50s for Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto. Morning lows will hover around freezing in the valley Friday and into the weekend. Sunny skies return Saturday and Sunday, with highs creeping back up toward 60.