Central California Braces for Rain, Cooler Temperatures, and Possible Thunderstorms

The system, drifting down from the Pacific Northwest, is expected to bring rain, mountain snow, and a slight chance of thunderstorms.Photo byC. G.onUnsplash

Central California is gearing up for a cooler and wetter end to the week as a new weather disturbance moves into the region, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. The system, drifting down from the Pacific Northwest, is expected to bring rain, mountain snow, and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Thursday.

Key Weather Highlights:

• Rain in the San Joaquin Valley: There is a 60% chance of rainfall accumulating to at least 0.10 inches in the San Joaquin Valley on Thursday. A smaller chance, between 15% and 30%, exists for amounts of 0.25 inches or more.
• Sierra Nevada Rain and Snow: The Sierra Nevada, particularly north of Fresno County, will see heavier precipitation. There is a 50-85% chance of rainfall exceeding 0.25 inches in these areas, with Yosemite Valley having a 25% chance of seeing over 0.50 inches of rain. Tioga Pass may experience up to an inch of snow, with a 65% chance of snowfall of 1 inch or more and a 39% chance for over 2 inches. Snow levels will remain above 9,000 feet.
• Thunderstorms Possible: Thunderstorms are possible on Thursday, with the highest likelihood around Yosemite National Park, where there is up to a 35% chance of storm activity. There is a 10-15% chance of thunderstorms across the San Joaquin Valley, with Fresno County northward seeing the most activity on Wednesday.
• Cooler Temperatures: Temperatures will remain 10 to 15 degrees below normal through Thursday, with afternoon highs in the San Joaquin Valley staying in the lower 80s. A warm-up is expected to begin this weekend.