You’re waking up to that thick, "pea soup" Tule fog today. If you’re in Rancho Cordova, you know the drill. It’s that eerie, beautiful, and slightly annoying blanket that keeps visibility down to a quarter mile or less. Honestly, it’s just part of the January experience in the Sacramento Valley. The National Weather Service even put out a Dense Fog Advisory for us until 10:00 AM this morning.
Right now, it's a cool 53°F outside. The air is still, with just a tiny 2 mph puff of wind from the southeast. Humidity is sitting at a heavy 83%, which explains why everything feels a bit damp even though it’s not actually raining.
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If you’re checking the 10 day forecast rancho cordova, don't let the morning gloom fool you. Things are actually looking pretty decent for the rest of the week.
Breaking Down the Next Few Days
Once this fog burns off, today is going to be a gorgeous sunny day. We’re looking at a high of 65°F. That’s actually a bit warmer than our usual January average.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, stays clear and sunny with a high of 61°F. It’s perfect for a walk along the American River or a quick trip over to Hagan Community Park. Just keep in mind that the nights are still chilly. We’re dropping down to 38°F tomorrow night, so don't put the heavy blankets away just yet.
By Saturday, things start to shift a little. We'll still see some sun, but the clouds are going to start rolling in by evening.
- Saturday, Jan 17: High of 61°F, mostly sunny during the day, but cloudy at night.
- Sunday, Jan 18: High of 58°F, partly sunny.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 57°F, mostly cloudy.
Basically, we’re moving into a stretch of "partly sunny" days where the highs hover right around the high 50s. It’s typical California winter—not exactly freezing, but you’ll definitely want a jacket if you’re heading out to the Folsom Historic District Ice Rink.
Is Rain Coming?
Most people see "cloudy" in the 10 day forecast rancho cordova and assume a washout is coming. But looking at the numbers, the precipitation chances stay pretty low through the next week. We’re seeing maybe a 5% to 10% chance of rain on most days.
It’s that "maybe it will, maybe it won't" kind of weather.
However, historically, late January can get wet. Some models suggest we might see more significant rainy periods as we move toward the 19th through the 23rd. For now, the immediate forecast shows mostly dry conditions with just enough cloud cover to keep the afternoons feeling crisp.
Humidity and Wind
The wind is going to stay very calm. We’re talking 1 to 3 mph for most of next week. That’s good news because it means we won’t have a biting wind chill, but it also means the fog might stick around longer in the mornings.
The humidity will fluctuate between 73% and 87%. Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, look like the dampest days, with humidity spiking near 87%. It’ll feel a bit heavier then, even if the sun is trying to peek through the clouds.
What to Do with This Weather
Since it’s mostly dry but cool, it’s a great time for local spots. If the fog is too thick in the morning, head indoors to the Sacramento Children’s Museum. If it clears up by 11:00 AM (which it usually does), the Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area is usually pretty quiet this time of year and perfect for a bike ride.
Just a heads up: the UV index is very low—mostly around 1 or 2. You won't be getting a tan, but the air is fresh.
Your Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tires: With the Dense Fog Advisory in effect, low visibility and damp roads mean you need good traction and working lights.
- Layer up: Morning lows are consistently around 40°F, while afternoons hit 60°F. A light puff jacket over a sweater is the Rancho Cordova "uniform" for a reason.
- Plan outdoor activities for mid-afternoon: The best window for sun and warmth is between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM before the evening chill sets back in.