Fresno to see ‘sub-freezing temperatures’ followed by atmospheric river storm. Here’s when
Fresno could face below-freezing temperatures this week before an atmospheric river-fueled storm brings warmer temperatures and rain to the region.
The National Weather Service in Hanford issued a freeze warning on Monday for much of Northern California, predicting chilly conditions and patches of frost.
On Sunday, the weather service posted a map via X showing the probability of low temperature below 32 degrees in several cities in the San Joaquin Valley.
“Fresno has a 31% probability of seeing temperatures of 32 degrees or lower on Tuesday morning,” weather service meteorologist Dan Harty said.
Here’s what you need to know about the forecast:
When is the freeze warning in effect for Fresno area?
The freeze warning, which went into effect Sunday morning, will run through 9 a.m. Tuesday, the weather service said.
Which areas could see freezing temperatures?
According to the weather service, the freeze warning affects the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of Northern California.
That includes the cities of Fresno, Madera, Visalia, Merced and Modesto.
“Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees” are expected, the weather service said.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops (and) other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the agency said in the warning.
“There’s a lower probability for reaching freezing temperatures in Fresno than the surrounding rural areas,” Harty said, explaining that urban areas tend to hold in more heat due to high numbers of buildings and paved spaces. “But it’s still possible. ... (The city) could reach freezing temperatures.”
What’s in the weather forecast for Fresno?
Monday was expected to be sunny, with a high temperature near 57 degrees and a low temperature around 34 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
Tuesday will be sunny, with a high near 58 and an overnight low around 40.
When is rain returning to Fresno?
According to the weather service, rain could fall on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
First, a “fairly weak system” will move into the Fresno area, Harty said, bringing a 10th to a couple 10ths of inches of rain.
On Wednesday, there is a 60% chance of rain likely after 4 a.m. and before 10 a.m. New precipitation amounts of less than a 10th of an inch are possible.
The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 45 and a 70% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible, the weather service said.
“We’re looking at a very wet system” with “periods of moderate to heavy rainfall” on Thursday into Friday, Harty said. “The heaviest precipitation is expected on Thursday.”
Rain is expected before 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by “showers and possibly a thunderstorm” between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the weather service said.
More rain and another possible thunderstorm are forecast after 4 p.m.
The high on Thursday will be near 58, with winds of 10 to 15 mph gusting as high as 25 mph.
New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.
There’s a 100% chance of precipitation on Thursday night, when the low will drop to 48 and winds will gust as high as 15 mph. Fresno could get a quarter-inch to half an inch of new rainfall.
Rain is expected before 10 a.m. Friday before a chance of thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Friday will have a high of 59 and a low of 43.
When will showers stop?
It will be clear by the weekend, the weather service said.
Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 59 and a low around 43.
Clouds will be back on Sunday, when the high will near 62.
How to stay safe in cold weather
During cold weather, it’s important to stay safe, the weather service said.
The agency shared these tips on how to stay warm:
Dress in layers
Limit time spent outside
Don’t forget pets, plants, pipes and sensitive groups
To protect pets from cold, the weather service recommends pet owners:
Bring pets indoors
Provide sufficient food and water
Ensure pets have a warm place to sleep, off the floor
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM.
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