December 20, 2023
Summary: rain has been widespread along the central coast and over the coastal range as far east as the Interstate 5 corridor. The center of circulation of the low pressure system is now roughly 150 miles to the west/northwest of San Luis Obispo. The precipitation will continue to inch its way across the valley during the afternoon and evening hours. There is also quite a rain shadow in the extreme south valley. As the low slowly sinks southward parallel to the coast, the precipitation will move right along with it. Currently, it is raining as far south as Ukiah along the coast and Chico inland. Models show a high probability of continued wet weather through Thursday night. as the low centers to the west of San Diego on Friday, most of the rain will move into southern California with a drying trend beginning from south to north Friday. A ridge of upper level high pressure will begin to build in from the west Saturday, leading to dry weather Saturday and at least through Wednesday. The next trough will move inland Wednesday and Thursday for a chance of rain, especially from Fresno County north. Fog will also enter the picture beginning Saturday. The rain has been heavy enough north of Kern County to put some much needed moisture into the soil which will make fog easier to form once a warm air inversion begins to develop,
Forecast: periods of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms through Thursday night. a chance of showers, mainly in Kern County, Friday. Partly cloudy Saturday after morning fog burns off. Mostly clear to occasionally partly cloudy Sunday night through Tuesday with areas of low clouds and fog. Increasing cloudiness Wednesday.
Short Term:
| Madera 46/64/42/63 | Reedley 47/65/43/63 | Dinuba 46/64/43/62 |
| Porterville 48/63//45/62 | Lindsay 45/63/42/63 | Delano 49/;64/48/62 |
| Bakersfield 52/63/50/62 | Taft 53/59/52/59 | Arvin 51/64/49/63 |
| Lamont 50/64/47/62 | Pixley 47/64/47/63 | Tulare 45/63/42/61 |
| Woodlake 47/63/43/63 | Hanford 48/63/47/62` | Orosi 45/63/42/62 |
Winds: There is enough difference in surface pressure between the interior and the off shore low to spawn some gusty winds, mainly in the south valley. These winds could kick up to 40 to 45 mph, especially just below the base of the Tehachapi mountains. Elsewhere, winds will be mainly out of the east or southeast at 8 to 15 mph. Gusts to 25 mph will be possible. Winds Friday and Saturday will be generally at or less than 10 mph with periods of near calm conditions.
Rain: it has been raining steadily over the coast range and into the extreme west valley. Elsewhere there has been just scattered light showers. Showers will work their way eastward across the valley floor late tonight. Kern County has been in a rain shadow and has received meager amounts of precip. The south valley will be in a more favorable position from the low to finally receive some increasing amounts. Models show the main rain line moving southward more quickly than previous model runs. This means we may have to take that chance of showers out of he forecast, especially north of Kern County. Regardless, I think it will be a close call. Dry weather will return Friday evening for the entire valley and will remain dry through at least Tuesday of next week.
Frost: All locations will be above freezing through at least Saturday and possibly Sunday. Models are showing a milder picture on the latest computer runs for Sunday through Tuesday. Currently, low to mid 30s look likely with possibly a few upper 20s Monday through Tuesday. Clouds will increase again by Wednesday morning which may eliminate the chance of frost.