March 31, 2020
Summary: A flat zone of upper level high pressure covers the eastern Pacific and extends inland over the southern ¾ of California eastward into the Great Basin. In the meantime, a large low covers the Pacific Northwest and off shore waters. Satellite imagery shows a great deal of cloud cover moving into northern California from a Bay Area/Yosemite line northward as well as moving into southern California from the southern branch of the jet stream. We are in between these two features and will enjoy mostly clear skies with some occasional high clouds.
Models show this same basic pattern continuing through the work week with temperatures close to seasonal average. For the second day in a row, models show a rather compact low dropping southeastward out of the Gulf of Alaska, moving through northern and central California Sunday and Monday for an increasing chance of showers. Some models show precipitation spreading all the way down to San Diego County. After this system moves through Monday night, a temporary dry slot will develop through the middle of next week.
Also for the second day in a row, models indicate a large low covering much of the western U.S. from Thursday through the following weekend. Theoretically, this could lead to a few days of active weather for central California.
Forecast: Mostly clear skies through Saturday. some occasional high clouds today through Wednesday. partly cloudy Saturday night. mostly cloudy Sunday through Monday with an increasing chance of showers. A slight chance of showers Monday night. becoming partly cloudy Tuesday.
Short Term:
| Madera 69/45/69/44/68 | Reedley 70/45/70/45/69 | Dinuba 68/43/69/43/68 | |
| Porterville 70/43/70/43/69 | Lindsay 69/42/69/43/68 | Delano 70/46/70/46/69 | |
| Bakersfield 71/51/70/49/69 | Taft 70/52/69/49/68 | Arvin 71/47/70/47/68 | |
| Lamont 70/48/70/46/69 | Pixley 70/44/69/43/68 | Tulare 69/42/69/43/68 | |
| Woodlake 68/43/69/43/69 | Hanford 70/46/70/44/69 | Orosi 68/42/69/42/68 | |
Seven Day Forecast:
| Friday
Mostly clear 43/71 |
Saturday
Partly cloudy 46/69 |
Sunday
Chance of showers 47/69 |
Monday
Chance of showers 41/66 |
Tuesday
Partly cloudy 41/69 |
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 Friday.
Rain Discussion: Dry weather will continue through at least Saturday night. this is the second day in a row models have pointed towards a cold low dropping out of the Gulf of Alaska and moving through northern and central California Sunday and Monday. This will increase the chance of showers Sunday. Currently, it appears the greatest risk of rain will be Sunday night and Monday. This will be a cold core low so isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out both Sunday and Monday afternoons. Medium range models are pointing to dry conditions for Tuesday and possibly Wednesday. also, for the second day in a row, models show the possibility of a large low covering much of the western U.S. Thursday through Saturday of next week. This could lead to periods of active weather.
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%/90% at Hanford. Bakersfield 40%/90%
Actual Humidity range March 30, 2020: Delano, 96%/47%, Porterville, 97%/43%
Percentage of Sunshine Today/Tomorrow: Visalia: Today: 80%, tomorrow 80%. Bakersfield: Today: 80% Tomorrow: 90%
ET Rates Over the Past Seven Days: Stratford .84, Parlier .75, Blackwell Corner .NA, Arvin .76, Orange Cove .72, Porterville .73, Delano .87. Courtesy University of California *=estimate, NA=not available.
Seven Day Soil Temperatures: Stratford 58, Parlier 57, Blackwell 58, Arvin, 59, Orange Cove 58, Porterville 59, Delano 56
Record Temperatures: 89/31. Average Temperatures: 70/44
Heating Degree Days this Season: 2033 -412
Courtesy of the NWS
Average temperature for March so far: 54.5. -0.8
Precipitation: Seasonal total/average + or -5.86 or -3.81. Month to Date: 2.32 +.34
Since Oct 1, 2019, Bakersfield: 4.41, or -1.13. Month to Date: 1.57 +.39
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: 6:44, Sunset: 7:22 pm. Hours of Daylight: 12:35
Yesterday’s Weather:
MCE : Merced 153 : DH1700 / 69 / 42 / 0.00 /
MAE : Madera 253 : DH1700 / 69 / 41 / 0.00 /
FAT : Fresno Airport 333 : DH1700 / 70 / 46 / 0.00 /
HJO : Hanford Airport 242 : DH1700 / 70 / 42 / 0.00 /
NLC : Lemoore Naval AS 234 : DH1700 / 70 / 40 / 0.00 /
BFL : Bakersfield Airport 496 : DH1600 / 70 / 47 / 0.00 /
VIS : Visalia Airport 292 : DH1700 / 69 / 43 / 0.00 /
ATEC1 : Avenal 787 : DH1653 / 68 / 43 / 0.00 /
PTV : Porterville Airport 442 : DH1700 / 70 / 41 / 0.00 /
TFTC1 : Taft 759 : DH1649 / 68 / 46 / 0.00 /
LOSC1 : Los Banos 120 : DH1600 / 70 / 45 / 0.00 /
Rainfall: 24hr W.Y. % Last Y. % Ave. Year ave.
STOCKTON 0.00 7.14 59 15.20 125 12.12 14.06
MODESTO 0.00 5.84 53 11.91 108 11.07 13.11
MERCED 0.00 7.80 74 11.82 113 10.48 12.50
MADERA 0.00 4.43 44 9.65 96 10.06 12.02
FRESNO 0.00 5.86 61 9.08 94 9.67 11.50
HANFORD 0.00 5.36 63 7.38 87 8.49 10.10
BAKERSFIELD 0.00 4.41 80 5.89 106 5.54 6.47
BISHOP 0.00 1.77 44 7.55 187 4.04 5.18
SALINAS 0.00 7.89 70 12.04 107 11.21 12.83
PASO ROBLES 0.00 9.84 86 14.00 122 11.44 12.78
SANTA MARIA 0.00 8.60 70 14.47 117 12.37 13.95
Next report: April 1/morning