Rain is returning to Sacramento as temperatures dip, forecast says. How much will we get?

Rain is returning to the Sacramento area along with cooler temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency’s latest forecast calls for showers and high temperatures dipping as low as the high 70s.

“In terms of rain, we’re not expecting any large amounts — just a sprinkle,” National Weather Service meteorologist Sara Purdue said.

Rainfall amounts will range from less than a tenth of an inch to a quarter inch, Purdue said, with areas north of Interstate 80 and at higher elevations seeing the most precipitation.

Here’s when the rain could arrive:

What’s in the forecast for Sacramento?

Sacramento was expected to be partly sunny on Thursday with a high temperature near 84 and a low around 57, according to the weather service’s seven-day forecast.

The forecast for Friday calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 83 and a low around 57.

When will the rain start?

On Saturday, there’s a 20% chance of showers after 11 a.m., the weather service said.

However, the day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 80 and an overnight low around 59.

Sunday will have a high near 80 and a low around 58.

On Monday, Columbus Day, Sacramento will see sunny skies, with a high near 79 and a low around 57.

More sunshine is expected Tuesday, when the high will be near 79.

Is there more wet weather on the way?

According to Purdue, the cooling trend will continue next week with high temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s.

“There is some potential mid-next week for some precipitation,” she said. “(Rain) will be fairly light — generally a tenth of an inch or less.”

However, there’s a chance temperatures could climb again.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center says there’s an above-normal chance of above-normal temperatures in Northern California from Oct. 16 to Oct. 22.