September 19, 2017
Summary: The cloud shield from a big trough of low pressure which is now centered over Idaho and western Montana has spread as far south as Merced. There are also some upslope clouds developing over the south valley along the north facing slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains and along the Diablo Range. A few showers are occurring in northwest California but so far that’s the only precipitation in the state.
Temperatures will fall again today as a strong on shore flow continues coupled with a northwesterly flow aloft. Readings at most locations will fall into the upper 70s to the lower 80s, which is well deserved. Similar conditions can be expected Wednesday then things will really begin to cool off Thursday as a considerably stronger trough moves in from the eastern Pacific and elongates from southern Canada to off the central California coast. Most locations Thursday and Friday will see temperatures in the low to mid 70s along with periods of gusty northwesterly winds. Those winds could stir up some dust along the west side.
There are enough dynamics with this system to spread showers and snow showers down the Sierra Nevada. The snow level will drop to about 8,000 feet Thursday and Friday.
A trough of low pressure, or a weaker version of it, will linger over the weekend, keeping temperatures mild, although we should be in the low to mid 80s by Sunday. A ridge will build into the Pacific Northwest Monday through Wednesday, creating an off shore flow. This will allow temperatures to warm up, but nothing excessive is expected.
Forecast: Mostly clear to occasionally partly cloudy through Friday. breezy at times Thursday and Friday, especially along the west side. Mostly clear skies Friday night and on through Wednesday of next week.
Short Term:
| Madera 78/51/82/53/74 | Reedley 80/51/82/52/75 | Dinuba 79/50/81/53/73 | |
| Porterville 80/52/82/53/75 | Lindsay 80/51/82/54/76 | Delano 81/54/83/55/76 | |
| Bakersfield 79/59/80/60/74 | Arvin 81/59/81/59/74 | Taft 80/60/81/60/75 | |
| Lamont 81/58/81/58/76 | Pixley 81/50/83/53/75 | Tulare 79/52/81/54/75 | |
| Woodlake 80/52/82/55/76 | Hanford 80/51/81/54/75 | Orosi 81/52/82/53/75 | |
Seven Day Forecast:
| Friday
Partly cloudy 49/74 |
Saturday
Mostly clear 51/81 |
Sunday
Mostly clear 53/85 |
Monday
Mostly clear 55/88 |
Tuesday
Mostly clear 55/88 |
Two Week Outlook: September 25 through October 1: This model reverts back to a ridge pattern with high pressure being dominant over the western United States. This would dry temperatures to above and possibly well above average during this time frame with little chance of precipitation.
September: This model shows upper level high pressure more dominant over the western U.S. There’s no clear indicator of above or below average rainfall as we move into the fall season. With that in mind, we’ll call for near average precipitation for the month.
September, October, November: It appears temperatures overall will rise to above average values for the bulk of this time frame. Upper level high pressure is also more dominant with precipitation, believe it or not, predicted to be somewhat near average.
Winds: Winds today and tonight will be out of the northwest at 10 to 20 MPH, mainly along the west side, with stronger gusts. Winds Thursday and Friday will increase to 15 to 25 MPH in many areas with gusts to 35 MPH possible, especially along the west side and from Fresno County north. Winds Saturday and Sunday will decrease to 5 to 15 MPH with locally stronger gusts.
Rain: Expect dry conditions for the next 5 to 10 days.
Afternoon Dew Points Today: Low to mid 40s. Kern: Low to mid 40s.-
Relative Humidity Forecast: Hanford, 25%/80% Bakersfield, 30%/60%
Actual Humidity September 16, 2017: Delano, 71%/35%, Porterville, 81%/33%
Percentage of Sunshine Today/Tomorrow: Visalia: Today 80% tomorrow 80%, Bakersfield: Today 70% tomorrow 70%.
ET Rates Over the Past Seven Days September 17, 2017: Stratford 1.45, Parlier 1.19, Blackwell 1.57, Lindcove 1.25, Arvin 1.47, Orange Cove 1.38, Porterville 1.08, Delano 1.30, Madera Two 1.20 Courtesy University of California *=estimate, NA=not available.
Seven Day Soil Temperatures: Stratford 77, Parlier 81, Blackwell 78, Lindcove 78, Arvin 1.89, Orange Cove 79, Porterville 83, Delano 79, Madera Two 81
Mean Temperatures for September Month So Far: 80.7+5.6
Record Temperatures: 107/48. Average Temperatures: 90/59
Cooling Degree Days This Season: 2088, +587 Courtesy of the NWS
Precipitation: Seasonal total/average/above or below average:
Since September 16, 2017 Fresno: 17.30 season. or +5.91. Month to Date: .10
Since September 16, 2017 Bakersfield: 7.89, or 1.92, Month to Date: ..51
Water year season is from October 1st through September.
Chilling Hours November 1st Through February 28: Orange Cove, Parlier, Arvin, Shafter, , Stratford, Madera two, Alpaugh, Delano, Lindcove, Porterville, Hours at 45 or below 45.
Sunrise: 6:45 am Sunset: 7:00 Hours of Daylight: 12:18
Yesterday’s Weather
MAE : Madera 253 : DH1700 / 88 / 53 / 0.00 /
FAT : Fresno Airport 333 : DH1700 / 88 / 59 / 0.00 /
HJO : Hanford Airport 242 : DH1700 / 90 / 53 / 0.00 /
NLC : Lemoore Naval AS 234 : DH1700 / 93 / 54 / 0.00 /
BFL : Bakersfield Airport 496 : DH1700 / 90 / 64 / 0.00 /
VIS : Visalia Airport 292 : DH1700 / 88 / 53 / 0.00 /
ATEC1 : Avenal 787 : DH1645 / 88 / 57 / 0.00 /
PTV : Porterville Airport 442 : DH1700 / 89 / 55 / 0.00 /
TFTC1 : Taft 759 : DH1641 / 88 / 65 / 0.00 /
LOSC1 : Los Banos 120 : DH1600 / M / 60 / 0.00 /
Rainfall:
To date Last year Average Annual ave
STOCKTON 0.00 21.79 157 16.69 120 13.88 14.06
MODESTO 0.00 16.93 131 15.61 121 12.94 13.11
MERCED 0.00 16.03 130 14.66 119 12.34 12.50
MADERA 0.00 14.26 120 12.96 109 11.88 12.02
FRESNO 0.00 17.30 152 14.29 125 11.39 11.50
HANFORD 0.00 11.16 111 8.26 83 10.01 10.10
BAKERSFIELD 0.00 8.33 130 5.43 85 6.42 6.47
BISHOP 0.00 9.18 181 3.88 77 5.06 5.18
SALINAS 0.00 16.49 130 13.47 106 12.72 12.83
PASO ROBLES 0.00 16.17 128 8.06 64 12.63 12.78
SANTA MARIA 0.00 18.91 136 9.00 65 13.87 13.95
SANTA MARIA 0.00 18.91 136 9.00 65 13.86 13.95
Rainfall season from October 1st through September 30th
Next Report: Wednesday, September 20