Laura Skirde's Morning Forecast - March 4, 2013

We're kicking of the work week with sunshine and high temperatures near 70 degrees in the Sacramento area – but big changes are coming!

Tuesday will begin clear and cool, with lows in the low 40s. We'll see increasing clouds later in the day, with snow beginning in the Sierra above 5000' during the afternoon. Rain makes its way into the valley and foothills Tuesday evening, and continues into Wednesday. Thunderstorms are also possible Wednesday and Thursday, producing strong winds and small hail. Rain totals will range from .25" around Stockton and Modesto, up to .75" from Sacramento north. 75" – 1.75" of rain is expected in the foothills.

Snow levels could come down as low as 3000' Wednesday and Thursday. We'll see snow totals above 4000' between 8-15", with as much as 2 feet of snow possible at higher elevation Sierra ski resorts by early Friday.