March 23, 2023 report

March 23, 2023 am

Models show there is still just enough energy along the back side of an exiting trough of low pressure for scattered showers over the Sierra Nevada and possibly over the valley floor this afternoon. Otherwise, the trend will be towards drying as a weak ridge struggles in from the west. The next weather system will be an inside slider moving through the Pacific Northwest then into the Great Basin Saturday and Saturday night, leaving the valley unscathed. That cannot be said for a strong system which will be centered off the northwest California coast Monday night, stretching precipitation across California Tuesday through Wednesday. The dynamics of this storm will be strong with yet another round of heavy snow in the mountains and substantial amounts of rain on the valley floor. for those wondering when this endless stretch of active weather will cease, models continue to indicate the storm door will be favorably open for more energy to move in off the Pacific and into California clear into the fifth of April.

Forecast: variable cloudiness today with a small chance of showers, mainly near the Sierra Nevada foothills. Partly cloudy tonight and Friday. Partly cloudy Saturday. Mostly clear Sunday through Sunday night. Partly cloudy Monday. periods of rain Tuesday through Wednesday. A chance of showers Wednesday night. Partly cloudy Thursday.

Temperatures:

Madera 59/37/57/34/57	Reedley 60/36/58/35/59	Dinuba 58/35/58/33/58
Porterville 58/39/54/35/55	Lindsay 57/40/54/34/55	Delano 58/39/55/35/55
Bakersfield 58/42/54/37/56	Taft 58/43/54/39/55	Arvin 59/40/59/37/58
Lamont 60/38/59/37/55	Pixley 58/36/57/34/57	Tulare 57/36//57/33/57
Woodlake 58/38/57/34/57	Hanford 59/38/58/37/58	Orosi 57/36/58/34/58

Seven Day Forecast

Sunday

Partly cloudy

34/57

Monday

Increasing clouds

35/60

Tuesday

Rain likely

42/67

Wednesday

Showers likely

43/65

Thursday

Partly cloudy

39/58

Two Week Outlook: March 29 through April 4: This model continues to indicate a persistent westerly flow into California from time to time. This pattern will favor above average precipitation and near average precipitation.

March: Above average temperatures will be confined from mainly New Mexico east. Below average temperatures will cover much of the western US, including California. Precipitation projections indicate fairly seasonal rainfall, not favoring above or below average rainfall. Let’s see how this plays out.

March, April, May: The 90 day outlook does not give much to grab onto. Above average temperatures from the Desert Southwest then all the way up the east coast with below average temperatures over the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies. Precipitation projections do not favor above or below average rainfall. I guess they’re hedging their bets.

Wind Discussion: Winds will be mainly out of the northwest today at 5 to 12 mph. winds tonight through Monday will be generally at or less than 12 mph and light and variable during the overnight hours.

Rain Discussion: showers are possible today, but unlikely at any given location. greatest risk will be along the Sierra Nevada foothills this afternoon. Expect dry weather tonight through Monday. it’s possible rain from the next strong storm will arrive Monday night in Merced County, spreading down the valley Tuesday and continuing on and off through Wednesday. This looks like another full bore winter storm. On the east side of the valley north of Kern County, more than an inch will be possible with between one-half and one inch along the west side. Another half inch appears plausible over the valley portion of Kern County. Showers will continue Wednesday night with dry weather Thursday through Saturday.

Frost Discussion. The air mass Sunday and Monday mornings for the coldest locations to dip to 29 to 30 degrees for brief durations. Most locations will chill to 32 to 37. No significant frost situation is seen ahead at this time.

Actual humidity values for Porterville MM%/MM%, Delano 95%52%. Mid afternoon dew points: Mid to upper 40s. Kern: Mid to upper 40s.

ET for the past seven days: Stratford, .79, Parlier, .77, Arvin 68, Porterville .NA, Delano .90 Soil temperatures: Stratford 55, Parlier 58, Arvin 58, Porterville NA, Delano 59 *=data missing.

Average Temperatures: 69/46 Record Temperatures: 83/30

Heating Degree Days This Season. 2238 +66 Varies widely from location to location. courtesy of the NWS

Precipitation: Seasonal total for Fresno 17.08, Monthly 3.60

Precipitation for Bakersfield: Season: 9.20, Monthly: 2.44

Average Temperature This Month 51.3-4.5 Taken NWS Hanford.

Water year season is from October 1^st through September 30.

Chilling Hours November 1st Through February 28: Parlier 1306, Arvin 1115, Belridge 1204, Shafter 1230, Stratford 1277, Delano 1273, Porterville 1245 courtesy UC Davis

Sunrise 6:58, sunset, 7:13. hours of daylight, 12.13