The weekend of November 15 through 17, 2025, is shaping up to be a busy one for weather watchers across the Pacific, with both Hawaii and Northern California facing significant—if very different—atmospheric shifts. According to Hawaii News Now, residents of the Hawaiian Islands can expect changes in wind, rainfall, and surf conditions, while KCRA 3 reports that Northern California is bracing for a double wave of rain and snow that could complicate travel and outdoor plans.
Let’s start in Hawaii, where the weather has been dominated by a high-pressure system sitting to the north of the island chain. As of Friday evening, November 15, 2025, meteorologists noted that this system is weakening and will continue to drift away over the weekend. The result? Gradually weakening trade winds on Saturday and Sunday, though the afternoons are still expected to bring some breezy stretches. For those who love the wind-swept feel of a classic Hawaiian afternoon, don’t worry—it won’t disappear entirely, but the intensity is definitely dialing down a notch.
Rainfall, too, is expected to ease up over the weekend. Hawaii News Now forecasts less rain overall, with just a few windward showers likely over the eastern half of the state early Saturday morning. Most of the moisture, for now, seems to be concentrated over Hawaii Island and Maui County. That’s good news for anyone with outdoor plans, but meteorologists are quick to add a note of caution: long-range weather models are hinting at a new disturbance moving over the state at the start and middle of next week, potentially bringing heavy showers—especially to the Big Island and Maui County.
Here’s where things get interesting. The weather models don’t all agree on exactly when this disturbance will hit or how much rain it’ll bring. As Hawaii News Now puts it, “Weather models still disagree on timing and how much rainfall is expected. We will continue to fine-tune the forecast over the next several days.” So, while the weekend looks relatively calm, Hawaii’s residents and visitors are wise to keep an eye on the forecast as next week approaches.
For surfers, there’s another twist. The High Surf Advisory that had been in effect for east-facing shores has been cancelled, as surf is dropping on all sides heading into Saturday morning. But don’t pack away your boards just yet—a small northwest swell is expected to fill in late Saturday afternoon, offering a new set of waves and challenges for enthusiasts eager to get back in the water.
Meanwhile, over in Northern California, a much more dramatic scene is unfolding. According to KCRA 3, residents from Sacramento to the Sierra Nevada are preparing for a “double shot” of rain and snow, with two separate weather systems rolling in one after the other. The first system, which already brought rain to Southern California earlier in the week, is expected to return northward Saturday night, November 15, bringing light to moderate rain and snow. Precipitation will be most widespread overnight, especially in the eastern Valley, Foothills, and Sierra, and could linger into Sunday afternoon in these areas. West of Interstate 5 and north of Interstate 80, drier conditions are more likely.
For those planning to travel through the mountains, the forecast carries a clear warning: snow levels will be low enough for slushy accumulation, and chain controls are likely at times from Saturday night into Sunday. The KCRA weather team is taking this seriously, issuing “Impact Days” for both Sunday and Monday, November 16 and 17, because of how the rain and snow could affect outdoor activities and travel. “Drivers should expect chain controls at times Saturday night into Sunday,” the forecast notes, emphasizing the need for caution on the roads.
But the parade of storms doesn’t end there. A second, more potent system is set to arrive late Sunday night, swinging in from the northwest. This storm will bring the heaviest rain as a line of downpours overnight Sunday, with thunder and gusty winds possible as well. As the line moves eastward before sunrise Monday, rain will change to snow above 6,000 feet. After sunrise on November 17, steady rain will taper off, but scattered showers and a couple of thunderstorms could still pop up in the Valley and Foothills.
Snow lovers—and those who have to travel through the mountains—should take note: snow totals between Saturday night and Monday could be substantial. The forecast calls for 6 to 10 inches at Donner Summit, 3 to 6 inches at Echo Summit, 6 to 10 inches at Carson Spur, 8 to 12 inches at Ebbetts Pass, and a whopping 12 to 18 inches at Sonora Pass. Even South Lake Tahoe and Truckee could see up to half an inch of snow. The rain totals aren’t insignificant, either: Sacramento is in for 1.25 to 2 inches, Stockton 1.5 to 2 inches, Modesto 2 to 2.5 inches, Yuba City 0.75 to 1.25 inches, and Placerville and Sonora could see as much as 2 to 3 inches.
All of this means that, while Hawaii is enjoying a brief lull with lighter winds and less rain, Northern California is gearing up for a challenging few days. The differences between the two regions’ forecasts are striking, yet both highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared as the weather shifts.
For those in Hawaii, the weekend offers a chance to enjoy calmer conditions, but the watchword is vigilance as next week’s disturbance could bring heavy showers—especially to the eastern islands. For Northern Californians, the message is clear: keep your umbrellas, snow shovels, and tire chains at the ready, and pay close attention to local forecasts and traffic advisories. As the KCRA team warns, “Impact Days” aren’t just a catchy phrase—they’re a heads-up that Mother Nature is about to put on quite a show.
With the Pacific’s weather in flux, residents from Honolulu to Sacramento are reminded that, no matter where you live, the sky can always surprise you. Whether it’s a gentle breeze and a fading swell in Hawaii or a double-barreled storm in California, November’s weather is proving that it’s anything but boring.
