Yes, Central Valley weather is colder — and gloomier — than usual. Here’s why
Thanks to an extra-rainy autumn, Fresno temperatures are more frigid than usual and eight degrees colder, year-over-year.
The average temperature from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 usually sits at around 49 degrees. Last year saw a 52-degree average for the same timeframe, though temperatures this year are currently averaging a crisp 44 degrees.
Stephen McCoy, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Hanford, said the colder temperatures are on account of the early-season rainfall.
With the added moisture, a cloud deck formed, bringing the overcast weather we’ve been experiencing for weeks. McCoy said an area of high-pressure is situated above the cloud barrier, keeping it from dissipating.
This low layer of clouds keeps sunlight from penetrating, impacting temperatures.
Meanwhile, foothill communities situated above the low-lying clouds are enjoying sunshine. While Fresno’s weather hovered around 45 degrees Thursday, McCoy said Oakhurst experienced a 77-degree day.
McCoy said the colder-than-usual temperatures would continue until the cloud deck is broken up by some low-level winds or rain.
Fresno’s rain year runs from Oct. 1 to Sep. 30. Typically, between Oct. 1 to Dec. 10, Fresno experiences 1.95 inches of rainfall. This year brought more than double with a total of 4.04 inches.
McCoy pinpointed this additional moisture as the driver behind the low clouds, blocking out the sun and bringing unseasonably cold temperatures.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 8:53 AM with the headline "Yes, Central Valley weather is colder — and gloomier — than usual. Here’s why."
