Thunder could roll through Fresno area again as ‘steady rainfall’ returns. What to expect
Thunder could roll through the Fresno area again as heavy rain returns to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Parts of the Sierra Nevada could see “heavy snowfall,” said Kris Mattarochia, a forecaster with the National Weather Service’s Hanford office.
Fresno can expect temperatures to get “a little bit warmer” — with high temperatures in the mid- to high 50s — before becoming cooler, he said.
“There is a general risk for thunderstorms on Thursday as the midweek storm system passes through central California, the weather service said in an X post. “Stay aware of lightning, small hail and gusty, erratic winds near storms.”
The last time Fresno saw measurable rainfall was on Sunday, March 2, when about a quarter of an inch of rain fell in the Central Valley city, the weather service said.
“We’re expecting better rainfall amounts in the Fresno area” compared to Sunday “because of the direction that storm is heading toward us,” Mattarochia said.
“Steady rainfall” is expected to start late Tuesday and continue into Thursday morning, he said.
“I wouldn’t say it’s typical. It’s a bit (of an) unusual storm for this time of year,” Mattarochia said.
What’s the weather forecast for Fresno?
Tuesday was expected to be mostly sunny, with a high temperature near 63 degrees and calm winds around 5 mph according to the weather service’s latest seven day forecast.
On Tuesday night, there’s a 60% chance of precipitation with rain after 4 a.m., the weather service said.
The low temperature will be around 48 degrees.
When will rain, thunder start?
On Wednesday, there is a 90% chance of precipitation throughout the day and evening. The high will be near 54, while the overnight low will be around 42.
There’s a 10% to 15% probability of thunder on Thursday, the weather service said via X, “primarily in the afternoon as (temperatures) warm to their peak.”
Mattarochia said the thunderstorm could happen anytime on Thursday.
“There’s good opportunity in the morning and then in the afternoon, but it’s really hard to pin down,” he said.
Fresno could see a quarter-inch to an inch of new rainfall, “especially if one of those thunderstorms comes over, Mattarochia said.
Precipitation amounts will be “much greater” in the Sierra foothills, he added, with snowfall at elevations above 6,000 feet.
Thursday will have a high near 53 and an overnight low around 39.
How long will wet weather last?
On Friday, sunny skies are expected in Fresno with a high and a low around 39.
Saturday will also be sunny with a high near 66 and an overnight low around 43.
Showers could return to the area on Sunday, when there’s a 10% chance of rain. The high will be 72, while the low will drop to 43.
There is a 40% chance of rain on Sunday night, while Monday will have a 70% chance of precipitation.
Monday will see a high near 63.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, most of California can expect below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation from March 11 through March 17.
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