Fresno, California – A major weather pattern change is expected to impact Central California beginning late next week, bringing increased rain chances and cooler-than-normal temperatures, according to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center.
The updated 8- to 14-day outlook, issued Thursday, indicates a developing and strengthening trough over the western United States from February 13 through February 19. This shift follows an extended period of drier-than-normal conditions that contributed to unusually low snowpack across much of the West.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, much of California, including the San Joaquin Valley, faces a 50 to 60 percent probability of above-average precipitation during the period. At the same time, there is a 40 to 50 percent chance of below-average temperatures, signaling a transition to a cooler and wetter pattern.
Forecasters note that snowfall earlier this winter was largely confined to higher elevations, leaving snow water equivalent levels below 50 percent of average across parts of California and the Great Basin. The incoming pattern may help improve snowpack, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, where periods of heavy mountain snow are possible.
In Central California, rain chances are expected to increase along major travel corridors including Interstate 5, State Route 99, and connecting highways such as State Routes 41 and 198. Wet road conditions and reduced visibility may affect commuters, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Colder air moving into the region could also bring snow to higher elevations and mountain passes, potentially impacting travel through the Sierra Nevada later in the period.
Officials emphasize that outlooks reflect probabilities, not specific storm events, and details will become clearer as the timeframe approaches. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts through weather.gov.
The pattern change may be especially relevant for commuters, agricultural workers, and students traveling along Central Valley roadways during the following week.
