March 28, 2018
Summary: As of 1:00pm, many locations had topped the 70 degree mark. Delano was the warmest at that time with a temperature of 75 degrees. A few locations, mainly in Kern County, may hit 80 this afternoon. Strong upper level high pressure now covers the eastern Pacific and the western one fourth of the U.S. Freezing levels earlier today stood at 12,000 feet, indicating the air aloft also continues to warm. Low to mid 80s will be widespread Thursday and Friday as the high reaches its pinnacle. Over the weekend, a weak trough of low pressure will slowly move through and will probably add some mid and high level clouds to the mix. Even so, temperatures will remain well above average.
Next week looks dry as a flat zone of high pressure in the upper atmosphere will stretch from well off shore and across California then into the interior west. This will create a mild westerly flow aloft with above average temperatures continuing.
The two week model this afternoon shows a possible radical change for about the sixth of seventh of April. A cold low is projected to drop southward from the Gulf of Alaska and into California. Currently this model indicates above average precipitation from Fresno County north with near average precipitation south of that line.
Forecast: Mostly clear skies through Friday. Mostly clear to occasionally partly cloudy Friday night through Tuesday. Mostly clear Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Short Term:
Madera 46/80/49/83 | Reedley 46/81/49/86 | Dinuba 45/79/48/84 | |
Porterville 46/81/49/85 | Lindsay 45/81/49/85 | Delano 49/82/50/85 | |
Bakersfield 54/82/56/86 | Arvin 49/83/51/86 | Taft 54/82/55/85 | |
Lamont 49/81/52/86 | Pixley 46/80/49/85 | Tulare 45/79/48/84 | |
Woodlake 46/80/49/85 | Hanford 46/81/50/85 | Orosi 45/79/49/84 |
Winds: Winds will be generally less than 12 MPH later mornings and afternoons and less than 7 MPH with periods of near calm conditions nights and early mornings through Saturday.
Rain: Expect dry weather for the remainder of the week and next week, as well. I did note that on the two week model encompassing April 5 through the 11, there is an indication that a cold trough of low pressure will dig southward along the west coast for an increasing chance of rain, especially from Fresno County north. The same model gives at least a chance of showers south of Fresno. It’s still a long way out, but it is interesting on paper. We’ll see if a trend develops.
Frost: All locations will be above freezing indefinitely.
Lows Tonight: All locations will be above 32.
Next report: Thursday, March 29