July 19, 2022 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports a few strong thunderstorms are possible in the Sierra Nevada from Sequoia National Park northward from 12:00 P.M. this afternoon until 7:00 P.M. this evening.
Dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes, wind gusts near 45 mph, and small hail are some hazards associated with strong thunderstorms.
In addition, any thunderstorm can produce intense rainfall rates, leading to localized flooding.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
415 AM PDT Tue Jul 19 2022
.SYNOPSIS...
Dangerous heat will continue across the lower elevations of the
central California interior today. Temperatures will gradually
lower through the week but remain above normal with triple digit
highs prevailing across the lower elevations. A few thunderstorms
are possible across the Sierra Nevada this afternoon and early
evening.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Strong high pressure continues over the Four Corners region and
will maintain dangerous heat conditions across the interior of
central California. High temperatures will change little today
with widespread triple digit heat across the lower elevations.
There is a high heat risk for much of the population, especially
for those who are heat sensitive and for those without effective
cooling and/or adequate hydration. Therefore, the Excessive Heat
Warning has been extended through Tuesday evening. Latest NBM
probabilistic guidance shows generally a 50-75% chance for high
temperatures of 103 degrees or higher in the San Joaquin Valley
this afternoon. Little change is expected on Wednesday and may
need to extend the Warning another day or issue a Heat Advisory.
The ridge slowly shifts east as a couple of upper troughs over
the northeast Pacific shift inland later this week; first over
the Pacific Northwest Thursday night then northern California on
Friday. High temperatures are forecast to be around 3-6 degrees
above normal Friday through the weekend.
Mid level moisture funneled in from the south on Monday resulted
in scattered showers and thunderstorms as far west as the coastal
range. The steering flow will turn a little more southwest today
and shunt most of the moisture towards the east. Instability and
moisture is sufficient for isolated thunderstorms this afternoon
and evening over the Sierra Nevada, mainly towards the crest. A
drier push from the southwest is expected to end the thunderstorm
threat on Wednesday.
&&
.AVIATION...
VFR conditions will prevail for the next 24 hours across the
San Joaquin Valley. However, MVFR or lower visibility may be
present in Mariposa and the Yosemite area due to smoke from
the Washburn fire. Local mountain obscuring IFR conditions
possible in isolated thunderstorms from 18z to 02z Wednesday.
&&
.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
On Tuesday July 19 2022...Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Kern
County.
Source: NWS
