Weather
San Joaquin Valley Weather: Showers Before Sun Oct. 21-24
HANFORD, CA – Residents across Hanford and surrounding Kings County communities in California's central San Joaquin Valley face a wet stretch of weather Wednesday and Thursday, with rain chances reach
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-21T11:22:38.758Z
HANFORD, CA – Residents across Hanford and surrounding Kings County communities in California's central San Joaquin Valley face a wet stretch of weather Wednesday and Thursday, with rain chances reaching 90% Wednesday night and thunderstorms possible before conditions improve heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, rain is expected Wednesday, followed by showers and possible thunderstorms during the afternoon and overnight hours. Precipitation chances reach 80% Wednesday and increase to 90% Wednesday night, making the overnight period particularly important for residents planning travel or outdoor activities.
The unsettled conditions are associated with a broader Pacific weather system affecting portions of the western United States.
The Weather Prediction Center reports that an upper level trough is bringing increased moisture and unsettled weather into California and the Southwest through Thursday.
While the greatest regional flash flood concerns are concentrated elsewhere in the Southwest, Hanford's local forecast supports periods of rain and possible thunderstorms.
Five Day Hanford Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Rain is expected between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. The precipitation probability is 80%, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 68 degrees. Rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are forecast, although thunderstorms could produce higher amounts. Wednesday night brings a 90% precipitation chance, with lows near 52 degrees.
Thursday 10/22: Rain remains likely, with a possible thunderstorm before 11 a.m. Additional rain is possible between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms. The precipitation probability is 60%, with highs near 69 degrees. Thursday night brings a 50% chance of rain before 11 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and lows near 52 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Conditions improve as partly sunny skies return and afternoon temperatures reach approximately 69 degrees. Northwest winds around 5 mph are expected during the afternoon. Friday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to approximately 49 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Sunny skies and warmer temperatures return, with afternoon highs reaching approximately 75 degrees. Calm winds are expected, providing more favorable conditions for outdoor activities following the midweek rainfall. Saturday night remains mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 49 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Sunny skies continue across Hanford, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 77 degrees. Winds remain calm, while Sunday night brings mostly clear conditions and lows near 49 degrees.
Rain Could Affect Local Travel Wednesday afternoon and evening present the greatest immediate potential for wet roads and reduced visibility during heavier showers.
Drivers traveling through Hanford and nearby Kings County communities should allow additional time during periods of rain, particularly if thunderstorms develop.
Residents should also avoid driving through flooded roadways if localized water accumulation occurs.
Extended Outlook: October 28 November 3 The NOAA Climate Prediction Center's eight to 14 day outlook favors above normal precipitation across much of California, including the central San Joaquin Valley.
Temperatures across Hanford's broader region are generally favored to remain near normal during the same period.
These outlooks indicate broad weather probabilities rather than specific rainfall amounts or daily storm forecasts.
For now, the primary concern remains Wednesday night's high rain probability and Thursday's continuing shower chances before a sunnier weekend arrives.