Weather
Central California Weather: Tropical Storm Remnants Bring Rain Oct 11th
Hanford, CA – Portions of Central California could experience increasing rainfall chances this weekend as moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel moves into the region. Forecast
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-10T12:47:08.895Z
Hanford, CA – Portions of Central California could experience increasing rainfall chances this weekend as moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel moves into the region. Forecasters expect the greatest precipitation potential across the Sierra Nevada and Kern County Desert from Saturday afternoon, October 10, through Sunday afternoon, October 11.
According to the National Weather Service NWS in Hanford , tropical moisture will move across eastern portions of Central California through the weekend and into early next week, increasing the potential for measurable rainfall in mountain and desert communities.
The agency's latest forecast highlights the probability of receiving at least one quarter inch of rainfall during the 24 hour period ending at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Mountain locations face some of the highest precipitation probabilities.
Near Lake Thomas Edison, the probability of exceeding one quarter inch reaches approximately 50%, while the John Muir Trail area carries a 56% chance.
Kennedy Meadows in the southern Sierra Nevada has a 53% probability, with Mammoth Peak at 44% and Tioga Pass at 33%.
Farther south, portions of the Kern County Desert could also receive measurable rainfall.
Forecast probabilities include 39% near Ridgecrest, 36% near Havilah and 47% around Tehachapi.
Meanwhile, locations near Barstow show a 63% probability of receiving at least one quarter inch of rainfall.
Rainfall chances are considerably lower across the San Joaquin Valley.
Fresno, Merced and Hanford show probabilities near zero for exceeding one quarter inch during the forecast period.
Bakersfield carries approximately a 5% chance, while Visalia has a 6% probability.
These figures represent the likelihood of reaching a specific rainfall threshold, not the overall chance of experiencing any rain.
The developing weather pattern could create changing conditions for travelers heading into mountain and desert areas.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts as tropical moisture moves through eastern Central California.