Fresno, California – A return to more seasonable February conditions is expected across Central California beginning Tuesday, February 10, as the 8–14 day outlook points to increasing precipitation and temperatures settling closer to normal through Monday, February 16. The pattern raises renewed snow potential in the Sierra Nevada while bringing cooler, more unsettled weather back to the valleys.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, near- to above-average precipitation is favored across much of California during the February 10–16 window. Temperatures across Central California are projected to trend back toward mid-February norms after recent fluctuations, allowing colder air to linger overnight and early in the day.
This setup supports several chances for precipitation rather than one prolonged storm. Snow is most likely in the Sierra Nevada, including higher elevations along Highway 168, Highway 41 near Yosemite, and mountain passes east of Fresno and Bakersfield. Periods of accumulating snow could impact travel through these routes, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
In the San Joaquin Valley, including Fresno, Visalia, and Modesto, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain. However, cooler temperatures could bring locally chilly mornings and patchy fog at times, particularly if skies clear between systems.
Travel impacts are most likely in mountain areas, where chain controls and delays may become necessary if snow develops in multiple waves. Caltrans crews may need to respond repeatedly as systems move through the region.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor updates, plan for winter mountain travel, and stay alert for advisories. With the cooler, wetter pattern expected to persist through Monday, February 16, additional winter weather alerts may be issued as confidence increases heading into next week.
