December 23, 2023
Summary: As of midday, the low overcast had risen to between 3,800 and 4,100 feet above the valley floor. pockets of clearing are also noted, especially from Merced County through western Fresno County. Where it clears this afternoon, the fog will return tonight as dense ground fog. The dew point/temperature spread is only 3 to 5 degrees at most locations. Temperatures are in the low to mid 50s where the overcast remains and are pushing 60 where the sun has poked through. A ridge of high pressure extends from southern California northward to British Colombia. The high will dominate our weather through Tuesday night and will continue to build a warm air inversion above the valley floor, which is ideal for widespread, dense fog during the night and morning hours. Models show a weakening trough of low pressure moving through Wednesday afternoon and night for a chance of showers. The best chance of measurable precipitation will be from Fresno County north. Another similar event will occur next Saturday. The new two week model for the first week in January still insists the pattern will be active as we begin the new year.
Forecast: Widespread fog and/or low overcast nights and mornings through Tuesday with at least partial clearing each afternoon. Increasing cloudiness Tuesday night with a chance of showers Wednesday afternoon and night. partly cloudy Thursday and Thursday night with areas of morning fog. Increasing cloudiness again Friday with a slight chance of showers Saturday.
Short Term:
| Madera 42/59/40/60 | Reedley 41/59/39/58 | Dinuba 39/58/38/59 |
| Porterville 41/60/40/60 | Lindsay 39/59/38/61 | Delano 42/58/40/59 |
| Bakersfield 44/60/42/61 | Taft 45/55/45/58 | Arvin 43/62/41/61 |
| Lamont 43/60/42/58 | Pixley 40/59/38/60 | Tulare 42/58/41/58 |
| Woodlake 41/59/39/59 | Hanford 41/59/39/59 | Orosi 39/58/38/59 |
Winds: Winds will be at or less than 6 mph with periods of near calm conditions through Tuesday
Rain: Dry weather will continue through at least Wednesday morning. models have sped up a bit the chance for rain. Precipitation is possible by Wednesday afternoon with a fairly decent chance of measurable rain from Fresno County north. Another at least slight chance of precipitation will occur next Saturday as a weakening trough moves through.
Frost: Dew points this afternoon are way up in the low to mid 50s so obviously we have a very moist environment clearing of the low overcast is evident on satellite pictures, especially in western Fresno County. Where the sun has broken through this afternoon, dense ground fog should have no problem forming as soon as the temperature reaches the dew point. Areas that do not clear this afternoon will observe temperatures in the upper 40s to lower 50s while locations that clear and remain clear into the night could drop into the mid to upper 30s in the very coldest locations. The annual cat and mouse game of fog will continue through Tuesday morning with above freezing conditions. Above freezing conditions will continue Thursday and for the rest of next week. models going out through the first week of the new year show a possible active pattern with chances of rain from time to time, maintaining above freezing conditions.