March 2, 2024
Summary: The weather has been extremely active over the valley so far today. A few thunderstorms have broken out over the valley floor. one cell was near Madera and it spawned a short lived tornado which was apparently strong enough to snap off trees and power lines. As of noon, there were half a dozen cells scattered throughout the valley. We currently have a 130 mph jet stream above central California. This is aiding the formation of thunderstorms and is also aiding in serious snowfall. Above 5,000 feet, snow has been falling at the rate of 2-4 inches an hour from Tulare County north. The center of the parent low is located off the Washington coast. The counterclockwise circulation around the low continues to pinwheel in bands of showers and isolated thunderstorms. We still have a good 12 hours to get through before things begin to improve. The active weather will begin to slow during the predawn hours Sunday, coming to an end by midday Sunday with the possibility of the high Sierra where snow flurries may linger. Cold air will overspread the valley Sunday with readings falling into the 30s Monday and Tuesday mornings, but I don’t look for a general frost or freeze situation. Localized frost will be possible in those traditional cold pockets. The next chance of rain will show up late Tuesday into Wednesday. Latest models show the best dynamics with this system remaining to our north so any precipitation will likely remain north of Kern County with only light amounts of precipitation elsewhere. A weak ridge of high pressure will begin to build in from the west Thursday for dry weather Thursday and Friday. The weather for next weekend is unclear at this time. Some models are showing a chance of rain but others project dry conditions.
Forecast: Periods of showers through tonight with a chance of thunderstorms, especially this evening. Showers tapering off Sunday morning. Partly to mostly cloudy Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. mostly clear Monday night through Tuesday morning. Increasing cloudiness Tuesday afternoon leading to a chance of showers Tuesday night and Wednesday. Partly cloudy Wednesday night and Thursday morning. mostly clear Thursday afternoon through Friday. Partly cloudy Friday night and Saturday.
Short Term:
| Madera 42/58/35/61 | Reedley 43/58/36/60 | Dinuba 42/60/35/60 |
| Porterville 41/58/34/61 | Lindsay 40/58/33/61 | Delano 44/58/36/60 |
| Bakersfield 46/59/39/59 | Taft 46/54/40/55 | Arvin 44/59/39/62 |
| Lamont 45/59/39/60 | Pixley 42/58/36/60 | Tulare 41/57/33/59 |
| Woodlake 41/58/34/59 | Hanford 43/58/36/60 | Orosi 41/58/34/60 |
Winds: Winds tonight into Sunday morning will be mainly out of the southwest at 8 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph, especially near showers or thunderstorms. Winds Sunday afternoon through Wednesday will be generally at or less than 15 mph with periods of near calm conditions.
Rain:The following are storm totals as of noon: Bakersfield .12, Delano .21, Porterville .44, Exeter .92, Visalia .40, Hanford .28, Lemoore .22, Dinuba .27, Reedley ..23, Fresno .61, Madera .25, and Merced 1.07. Periods of showers and a chance of thunderstorms with localized heavy rain and hail will continue tonight then begin to taper off during the predawn hours. Showers will still be possible for a time Sunday morning with dry weather returning Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning. models continue to trend towards the best dynamics being north of the growing area Tuesday night through Wednesday. Still, there will be a chance of showers late Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. for now, it appears that no more than a quarter of an inch will be measured with the best chance of heavier showers being from Madera County north. Expect dry weather Wednesday night through next weekend.
Frost: After the current storm moves eastward, relatively cold air will settle in. Readings will fall into the 30s Monday and Tuesday mornings. It’s possible an isolated frost pocket or two could drop down to 20 to29 for short durations, however that would only be if we have clear skies and calm winds, which appear to be doubtful. No doubt there will be plenty of lingering clouds left over Monday morning from the current storm. It’s possible Tuesday morning might have clouds advancing ahead of the next weather system. At any rate, no general frost or freeze situation exists. Lows will be above freezing Wednesday and through the weekend.