Possible Thunderstorms Today for Mariposa, Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park
May 18, 2020 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports a few strong thunderstorms are possible across Central California this afternoon & evening.
Hail, brief heavy rain & gusty wind are some of the hazards expected.
In addition to dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes, any thunderstorm can produce localized flooding.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Hanford CA 335 AM PDT Mon May 18 2020 .SYNOPSIS... A Pacific storm system will spread precipitation throughout Central California. High elevation mountain snow and valley rain will persist into Tuesday. A few strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening north of Kern County. Dry weather is expected Wednesday through Monday. && .DISCUSSION... Strong Pacific storm system is making its way into the CENCAL interior this morning as showers are breaking out over the region. Showers are increasing in the Sierra attm. Regional radar and satellite are indicating a line of heavy showers making its way onshore across Monterey Bay. The front is pushing through the CWA and embedded troughs will bring enhanced showers and possibly thunderstorms through the day as the main center of low pressure will sit off the NORCAL coast before moving inland later today. Significantly cooler temperatures are expected today with periods of showers and thunderstorms. Winds will be strong along the west side of the SJV through this morning. Convection will decrease after sunset this evening. We will see additional precip across the Sierra with continued onshore flow and orographic lift. However the bulk of the moisture will be over and only spotty showers are expected overnight. Unsettled weather is expected across the region again on Tuesday as onshore flow will continue with embedded shortwaves that will trigger showers. Afternoon convection is possible once again in the Sierra on Tuesday, mainly north of Kings Canyon. The main upper level trough will move through on Tuesday morning with the coldest day expected. NW flow aloft will keep the region dry and seasonable Wednesday through Saturday. Weak embedded shortwaves will progress through the NW flow through Friday. Weak ridging will bump temps up on Sunday and Monday with a rex block pattern setting up in the EPAC for early next week.Source: NWS