March 30, 2020
Summary: Today begins a weather pattern which will result in an extended period of dry weather. Models have back off on significantly warmer weather down the road, however, as the main storm track moves into the Pacific Northwest, affecting the northern ¼ of California through Tuesday night. this will have a tendency to keep weak pressure patterns above central California, preventing temperatures from straying too far from average. Average is about 70 this time of year. Even though freezing levels have risen somewhat over the past 24 hours, the latest sounding above Oakland indicates a freezing level of just 7,200 feet.
A flat zone of high pressure will remain over the eastern Pacific and across the southern ¾ of California into the weekend. Some models show the high beginning to break down during the second half of the weekend, allowing a trough of low pressure to move through northern and central California. Theoretically, this would result in a chance of showers early next week. For now, we’ll continue with a dry forecast but that is certainly subject to change as we move through this coming week.
Some medium range models are also showing a big low over central California later next week. This could result in active weather for central California. We’ll study this situation, as well.
Forecast: Mostly clear skies through Friday night. partly cloudy Saturday through Monday.
Short Term:
| Madera 70/43/72/44/68 | Reedley 71/44/72/45/69 | Dinuba 69/42/72/43/68 | |
| Porterville 71/43/72/44/70 | Lindsay 71/41/72/43/69 | Delano 71/44/72/47/71 | |
| Bakersfield 72/47/72/49/71 | Taft 71/49/72/50/70 | Arvin 72/46/72/47/71 | |
| Lamont 71/45/72/47/70 | Pixley 71/43/72/44/70 | Tulare 69/41/72/43/68 | |
| Woodlake 70/41/72/44/69 | Hanford 71/45/72/46/69 | Orosi 70/41/72/43/69 | |
Seven Day Forecast:
| Thursday
Mostly clear 42/69 |
Friday
Mostly clear 41/71 |
Saturday
Partly cloudy 43/71 |
Sunday
Partly cloudy 44/69 |
Monday
Partly cloudy 44/71 |
Two Week Outlook: April 6 through April 12: This model brings a higher than average chance of active weather back to California for a reasonably decent chance of rain. This model also indicates this will be a mild pattern with temperatures generally somewhat above average.
April: Typically, these models really do not offer a good handle on a weather direction. This particular model is even muddier than most. It simply indicates near average temperatures with near average rain over the next 30 days.
April, May, June: Like most longer range forecasts, above average temperatures are indicated over the next 90 days for most of the lower 48, including central California. This model gives equal chances of above or below average precipitation, but considering we are now into the dry season, it’s pretty much a moot point anyway.
Winds Discussion: Winds will be generally at or less than 10 MPH during the late morning and afternoon hours and generally less than 6 MPH during the night and early morning hours with periods of near calm conditions through Thursday.
Rain Discussion: Dry weather can be expected through at least Saturday. for now, we’ll keep Sunday and Monday dry. Some models are showing a weak trough moving through late Sunday and Monday with showers spreading into central California. Since this is the first model run to point in this direction, we’ll keep the forecast dry but this is certainly subject to change. Medium range models also suggest the possibility of an active pattern after Wednesday of next week.
Frost Discussion: All locations will be above 32 degrees.
Afternoon Dew Points Today: Mid to upper 40s. Kern, mid to upper 40s. Humidity values ranging from 44%/95% at Hanford. Bakersfield 40%/90%
Actual Humidity range March 30, 2020: Delano, 96%/52%, Porterville, 96%/59%
Percentage of Sunshine Today/Tomorrow: Visalia: Today: 80%, tomorrow 80%. Bakersfield: Today: 90% Tomorrow: 90%
ET Rates Over the Past Seven Days: Stratford .82, Parlier .71, Blackwell Corner .NA, Arvin .73, Orange Cove .68, Porterville .71, Delano .82. Courtesy University of California *=estimate, NA=not available.
Seven Day Soil Temperatures: Stratford 58, Parlier 58, Blackwell 58, Arvin, 59, Orange Cove 58, Porterville 59, Delano 56
Record Temperatures: 89/31. Average Temperatures: 70/44
Heating Degree Days this Season: 2024 -413
Courtesy of the NWS
Average temperature for March so far: 54.5. -0.8
Precipitation: Seasonal total/average + or -5.86 or -3.76. Month to Date: 2.32 +.39
Since Oct 1, 2019, Bakersfield: 4.41, or -1.10. Month to Date: 1.57 +.42
Water year season is from October 1st through September.
Chilling Hours November 1st through February 28: Orange Cove 967, Parlier 1035, Arvin 831, Shafter 885, Stratford 938, Delano 1013, Lindcove 1171, Porterville 1531
Hours at 45 or below 45.
Sunrise: 6:45, Sunset: 7:21 pm. Hours of Daylight: 12:33
Yesterday’s Weather:
MCE : Merced 153 : DH1700 / 66 / 49 / 0.04 /
MAE : Madera 253 : DH1700 / 66 / 47 / 0.02 /
FAT : Fresno Airport 333 : DH1700 / 64 / 50 / 0.05 /
HJO : Hanford Airport 242 : DH1700 / 64 / 50 / 0.16 /
NLC : Lemoore Naval AS 234 : DH1700 / 66 / 49 / 0.06 /
BFL : Bakersfield Airport 496 : DHM / 65 / 50 / 0.00 /
VIS : Visalia Airport 292 : DH1700 / 64 / 50 / 0.10 /
ATEC1 : Avenal 787 : DH1652 / 63 / 48 / 0.00 /
PTV : Porterville Airport 442 : DH1700 / 63 / 48 / 0.08 /
TFTC1 : Taft 759 : DH1652 / 63 / 49 / 0.00 /
Rainfall: 24hr W.Y. % Last Y. % Ave. Year ave.
STOCKTON 0.01 7.14 59 15.20 126 12.06 14.06
MODESTO T 5.84 53 11.91 108 11.02 13.11
MERCED 0.01 7.80 75 11.82 113 10.43 12.50
MADERA 0.02 4.43 44 9.65 96 10.01 12.02
FRESNO 0.05 5.86 61 9.08 94 9.62 11.50
HANFORD 0.16 5.36 63 7.38 87 8.45 10.10
BAKERSFIELD T 4.41 80 5.89 107 5.51 6.47
BISHOP 0.04 1.77 44 7.55 187 4.03 5.18
SALINAS T 7.89 71 12.04 108 11.15 12.83
PASO ROBLES 0.10 9.84 86 14.00 123 11.39 12.78
SANTA MARIA 0.00 8.60 70 14.47 118 12.31 13.95
Next report: March 31/morning