Includes Fresno, Merced, Madera and Mariposa Counties and Yosemite National Park
May 6, 2023 - National Weather Service officials report a few strong thunderstorms are possible from northern Fresno County northward from 12:00 P.M. this afternoon until 6:00 P.M. this evening.
Small hail and wind gusts near 45 miles per hour are a couple of hazards associated with strong thunderstorms.
In addition to dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes, any thunderstorm can produce intense rainfall rates, leading to localized flooding.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
1239 AM PDT Sat May 6 2023
.SYNOPSIS...
A trough of low pressure will move eastward across Northern
California today, resulting in a slight chance of precipitation
from Fresno County northward. A few strong thunderstorms are
possible this afternoon from Fresno County northward. A warming
trend is expected Sunday and Monday. Additional precipitation is
possible in the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills Tuesday.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
A trough of low pressure will progress eastward over Northern
California today. This trough of low pressure will be responsible
for a slight chance of precipitation from Fresno County northward
today. A few strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon from
the northern portion of Fresno County northward. Rain amounts in
the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills from Fresno
County northward will be less than one tenth of an inch today.
Snow levels will be around 5,000 feet. One to two inches of snow
is likely in the Sierra Nevada from Fresno County northward from
5,000 feet to 7,000 feet today. Two to four inches of snow is
probable in the Sierra Nevada from Fresno County northward above
7,000 feet today.
High temperatures this afternoon will be around ten degrees below
normal for this time of year. A warming tend is expected Sunday
and Monday. Despite this warming trend, maximum temperatures
Monday afternoon will be around five degrees below their typical
values for the first half of May. A trough of low pressure will
pass eastward across Central California Tuesday, resulting in a
slight chance of precipitation in the Sierra Nevada and adjacent
foothills. Strong, gusty winds are possible in the Kern County
mountains and desert Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening. A
Wind Advisory may be required.
A Rex Block will begin to set up over the Western United States
Wednesday. A warming trend is expected Wednesday through Friday.
By Friday afternoon, high temperatures will be six to eight
degrees above normal for this time of year. Here are probabilities
of maximum temperatures of 90 degrees or higher for select
locations in the San Joaquin Valley on Friday, May 12th, 2023:
Fresno - 41%
Hanford - 36%
Visalia - 31%
Lemoore - 31%
Bakersfield - 26%
Merced - 26%
Madera - 26%
Porterville - 26%
Delano - 26%
Reedley - 26%
&&
.AVIATION...
In the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills from Fresno County
northward, MVFR or lower conditions likely in and near showers and
thunderstorms today. Elsewhere, VFR conditions will prevail
across Central California for at least the next 24 hours.
&&
.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
None.
&&
.CERTAINTY...
The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is high.
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...
None.
Source: NWS
