Bakersfield, Calif. – Damaging winds could roar across Kern County by Thursday afternoon, with gusts topping 60 mph in the mountains and desert regions, including areas along Highway 58 and the Tehachapi Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a strong northerly flow behind an upper-level low will drive intense downslope winds beginning Thursday and continuing into the evening. Areas near Pine Mountain Club, Mojave, and China Lake have a 50% or greater chance of wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, with the highest risks focused along mountain passes and desert corridors.
Travelers along I-5 through the Grapevine and Highway 395 should prepare for possible visibility reductions due to blowing dust. The Tejon Pass and Edwards Air Force Base area also face increased risk of crosswinds that could impact high-profile vehicles. Residents should secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak gust periods.
Meanwhile, temperatures across the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Foothills will dip to below-normal levels midweek before sharply rebounding. Bakersfield and Hanford face only a 0-5% chance of hitting 80°F on Wednesday, but by Sunday and Monday, odds surge past 85%. In the foothills, locations like Mariposa and Oakhurst could see a return to 75°F+ highs by the weekend.
More wind alerts may be issued as Thursday approaches. Stay tuned to the latest updates from the NWS Hanford office.
