Projected Precipitation for Mariposa 3.00" - 4.00"
Projected Precipitation for Oakhurst 3.00" - 4.00"
Projected Precipitation for Yosemite Valley 4.00" - 6.00"
December 22, 2021 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports periods of moderate to occasionally heavy precipitation are expected in Central California tonight through Friday afternoon.
Extreme winter conditions are likely in the Sierra Nevada above 7,000 feet due to snow load and blowing snow.
The majority of this precipitation will fall Thursday.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Hanford CA 1229 AM PST Wed Dec 22 2021 .SYNOPSIS... Dense fog will impact the central and southern portions of the San Joaquin Valley this morning. Periods of moderate to occasionally heavy precipitation are expected tonight through Friday. There may be a break in unsettled weather Friday night, before precipitation returns to Central California Saturday. Snow levels could fall to Kern County mountain pass levels Saturday night. && .DISCUSSION... Dense fog has formed in the central and southern portions of the San Joaquin Valley this morning, resulting in a high transportation risk. Highways affected include, but are not limited to Highway 198, Highway 41, Highway 43, Highway 180, and Highway 99 south of Madera. If driving, slow down, use low beam headlights, and keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. A prolonged period of unsettled weather is expected tonight into the upcoming holiday weekend. Two to four feet of snow is likely in the Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet, with isolated amounts up to six feet above 7,000 feet tonight through Friday afternoon. Extreme winter weather conditions are expected in the Sierra Nevada tonight through Friday afternoon due to snow load and blowing snow. Below the snow line, four to six inches of rain is possible in the Sierra Nevada foothills tonight through Friday afternoon, which could cause mudslides, rockslides, and debris flow flooding. One half of an inch to one inch of rain is probable in the western portion of the San Joaquin Valley and Coastal Range tonight through Friday afternoon. One to two inches or rain is likely in the eastern portion of the San Joaquin Valley tonight through Friday afternoon. There could be a break in unsettled weather Friday night, before precipitation returns to Central California Saturday. In the Sierra Nevada, snow levels will start at around 4,000 feet Saturday, before falling to about 3,000 feet Saturday night. In the Kern County mountains, snow levels will start at around 5,000 feet Saturday morning. Snow levels in the Kern County mountains could fall to pass levels Saturday afternoon or Saturday night, resulting in light snow along Interstate 5 over Tejon Pass and light snow along Highway 58 over Tehachapi Pass as early as Saturday afternoon and more likely Saturday night. Motorists driving over these major mountain passes should be prepared for slick, hazardous roads and travel delays as early as Saturday afternoon. In the Sierra Nevada, an additional one to two feet of snow is possible Saturday and Saturday night. In the San Joaquin Valley, rain amounts should remain under one half of an inch Saturday and Saturday night. Another break in the unsettled weather is possible Sunday and Sunday night, before precipitation returns to Central California early next week. Stay tuned for specific information regarding this storm system. && .AVIATION... LIFR conditions due to dense fog in the San Joaquin Valley will improve to MVFR conditions late this morning. MVFR conditions are likely in and near showers this afternoon and tonight. Local IFR conditions are expected in the Sierra Nevada through at least the next 24 hours. && .AIR QUALITY ISSUES... On Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021, unhealthy for sensitive groups in Kern County. Fireplace/wood stove burning status is: no burning unless registered in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, and Tulare Counties. No burning for all in Kern County. Further information is available at Valleyair.org.Source: NWS
