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Signs Point to Rain for Fresno, Snow for the Sierra Next Week
Could Fresno see more rainy days before the end of February?
According to multiple forecasts, there is a significant chance of showers daily in the Valley beginning Wednesday (Feb. 23) and continuing into early March.
Wtf… just noticed the euro ensemble has nearly non stop snow in the Sierra for nearly 160+ hours starting next week. Wont be that continuous but that’s a strong signal we are going back into a progressive pattern pic.twitter.com/kQ8QBblpVG
— Carter Murphy 💰8️⃣ (@cartermurphy218) February 14, 2023
How much rain, as well as Sierra snow, could this next pattern deliver?
Related Story: Despite California’s 205% Snowpack, Officials Worry About Dry Times Ahead
Although one forecast says there’s a strong possibility of a powerful storm system moving into San Francisco late next week, it’s wise to remember what the National Weather Service says about predicting the weather.
“Weather forecasting is a complex and often challenging skill that involves observing and processing vast amounts of data,” writes NWS meteorologist Mark Bloomer. “Weather systems can range from small, short-lived thunderstorms only a few miles in diameter that last a couple hours to large scale rain and snow storms up to a thousand miles in diameter and lasting for days.”
We have 1.6″ of light and fluffy new #snow this morning and cold, breezy conditions to go with it.
Dry conditions are expected over the next week but we may be looking at a pattern change to several storms and more snowfall after that.#CAwx #CAwater pic.twitter.com/gu8cgXhxbM
— UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) February 15, 2023
While the mostly dry weather since mid-January has allowed water-logged California to dry out, another storm cycle would benefit the state. Especially with just 10 weeks left in the rainy season and parts of California still in a sustained drought.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, the entire state is trending toward above-normal precipitation for Feb. 15 through March 1.
Local Holiday Weekend Forecast
The Valley’s cold snap will begin breaking today, with overnight lows rising to the mid-and-high 30s, according to the NWS in Hanford. Sunny skies are expected through President’s Day with afternoon highs in the mid-60s.
After that, be on the lookout for rain on the Valley floor and snow in the Sierra.
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