A cold snap will begin Thursday in the Sacramento region, bringing some of the chilliest temperatures seen in nearly a decade.

Winds are expected to pick up in the high country today, and a dusting of snow in the Sierra is expected Thursday, with some snow falling in the foothills as low as 1,000 feet elevation.

Temperatures will reach the 50s in Sacramento today, but temperatures will drop Thursday and Friday and reach their lowest on Saturday morning. Residents are urged to take steps to insulate exposed water pipes and cover sensitive outdoor plants.

By Friday, morning temperatures in Sacramento will drop to the 20s, with windchill making it feel colder.