Author: John Hibler

April 23, 2018 Summary: On this date back in 1910 the temperature soared to an even 100 degrees at both Fresno and Bakersfield, marking the earliest triple digit reading ever recorded at those locations.  It will not reach the century mark in the valley over the next couple of days, however mid 90s are likely…

April 21, 2018 Summary: Strong high pressure at the upper levels of the atmosphere now covers the eastern Pacific Ocean and much of the western U.S.  Thirty six  hours ago, the freezing level above us was around 6,700 feet while the reading taking overnight now calculates the freezing level at 13,500 feet.  That’s quite a…

April 20, 2018 Summary: Today will begin a prolonged period of dry and much warmer weather.  Freezing levels, even though they are still relatively low, will rapidly rise over the next 72 hours as warmer air begins to move in aloft associated with the building high pressure.  The current freezing level taken last night was…

April 19, 2018 Summary: A rather compact low pressure system moved down the central coast overnight and is currently centered near the Channel Islands.  Radar shows the bulk of the precipitation wrapped tightly around the center of circulation.  This batch will begin to move inland through the Los Angeles Basin then points eastward during the…

April 18, 2018 Summary: High clouds are already increasing, mainly over the northern half of the valley, this morning ahead of the latest weather system.  This is a relatively cold weather system and it is approaching the northern California coast.  This storm does not have nearly as  much moisture as its predecessor, so as it…

April 17, 2018 Summary: After a rather stormy afternoon yesterday, skies cleared with the exception of much of Kern County and southeastern Tulare County which are covered with upslope clouds banking up against the valley facing slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains.  As of 6:00am, Bakersfield was overcast at 4,000 feet while Porterville was reporting an…

April 16, 2018 Summary: A fast moving cold front sped down the valley during the predawn hours and has already moved into the Kern County mountains and deserts.  Light showers spread all the way down the valley as the front passed and as a colder air mass begins to move inland aloft.  The cold core…

April 15, 2018 Summary: There is a considerable amount of high clouds this morning streaming in from the subtropics which are not really associated with a big weather change that will occur tonight through Monday night.  In fact, today will be quite warm with temperatures reaching or even surpassing the 80 degree mark, despite the…

April 14, 2018 Summary: A ridge of upper level high pressure is currently moving overhead.  This will allow temperatures to make a significant jump today before leveling off Sunday.  Most locations on the valley floor this afternoon and again Sunday afternoon should be just at or just past the 80 degree mark.  Another wide swing…

April 13, 2018 Summary: It was quite chilly last night as colder frost stations dipped into the mid to upper 30s.  rapid modification, however, will begin today as the progressive pattern we’ve been under lately will continue.  Upper level high pressure is shifting eastward from the eastern Pacific and into California.  This will result in…