Projected precipitation for Mariposa and Oakhurst: Less than 0.10"
Projected precipitation for Yosemite Valley: 0.10" to 0.25"
April 18, 2023 - National Weather Service Hanford Office officials report a trough of low pressure will pass across Central California today, resulting in light precipitation in the Sierra Nevada. Snow levels will be around 4,500 feet.
The majority of this precipitation will fall this morning.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
113 AM PDT Tue Apr 18 2023
.SYNOPSIS...
The cooling trend will continue today as the weather disturbance
moves through our area, with temperatures in the valley in the low
to mid 60's. This disturbance will also bring increased winds to
the whole CWA, but they will be strongest in the Mojave Desert
valley and slopes. Yosemite National Park may see a tenth of an
inch to an inch of snow today as this weather system moves
through. Dry weather will prevail Wednesday and continue into the
weekend, causing temperature in the valley to rise to the low to
mid 80's.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
The bottom of an upper level trough will clip our CWA today, which
will cause slightly increased winds for the valley and stronger
winds for the Mojave Desert slopes and valley. Winds for the
Mojave Desert slopes may be 35 to 45 mph sustained with 55 mph
gusts possible. The Mojave Desert valley could see 20 to 30 mph
sustained winds with 45 mph gusts. This would be hazardous for
driving, especially when operating a high profile vehicle.
This weather disturbance being brought in may bring in some very
light snow for Yosemite National Park and areas just to the south,
with a tenth of an inch to an inch possible this morning and into
midday. This will clear out by this afternoon and remain dry into
the next week.
An upper level ridge will begin developing as the trough moves out
over the Midwest, which will calm the winds and cause temperatures
to rise. Temperatures could reach the low to mid 80's in the
valley by Saturday and Sunday as a result. The probability that
the valley will reach 80 degrees or above on Saturday is 70-80%,
while the probability the valley will reach 80 degrees or higher on
Sunday is 85-90%. There are hints of a slight cool down by
Tuesday, with highs decreasing to the high 70's. However, dry
weather will continue to prevail through the next week.
&&
.AVIATION...
Winds will gust to around 45 kt over mountain ridges and through and
below the passes in Kern County, leading to areas of blowing dust in
desert areas. Otherwise, VFR conditions will prevail across central
California for the next 24 hours.
&&
.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
ISSUED: 04/17/2023 13:02
EXPIRES: 04/18/2023 23:59
None.
&&
.CERTAINTY...
The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is medium.
The level of certainty for days 3 through 7 is medium.
Certainty levels include low...medium...and high. Please visit
www.weather.gov/hnx/certainty.html for additional information
and/or to provide feedback.
&&
.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory until 2 AM PDT Wednesday for CAZ337>339.
Source: NWS
