Much cooler weather in Valley, thunderstorms predicted over Sierra

A storm system from Southern California will bring low temperatures, mountain thunderstorms that could spark lightning fires and snow dusting this weekend, the National Weather Service in Hanford said Thursday.

Meanwhile, Valley residents will cool down this weekend with highs between 89 and 90, lows in the low 60s and pleasant breezes.

Mountain visitors should be prepared for thunderstorms with gusty, erratic winds and minimum temperatures of 28-38 degrees. Lightning-caused fires are less likely and snow accumulation is unlikely.

Hikers, backpackers and campers are at highest risk for unruly weather: those above 9,000 feet will experience the minimum temperatures and those above 10,000 feet may see snow.

The threat of thunderstorms will increase this weekend over the Sierra, with the best chance occurring Sunday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in the Kern County mountains Sunday afternoon and evening.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Much cooler weather in Valley, thunderstorms predicted over Sierra."