Hanford, California – A significant pattern change is expected to bring an increased risk of hazardous weather to Central California next week, including heavy precipitation, mountain snow, and gusty winds that may impact travel along major routes such as State Route 99 and Interstate 5.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, citing the Climate Prediction Center, increased chances of above-normal precipitation are favored from Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 18–21, following a relatively dry start to the year. For California, forecasters highlight at least a slight risk of heavy precipitation beginning Wednesday, with locally moderate risk possible at times.
The outlook indicates that central and southern portions of the state may see periods of steady rainfall, while higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada face a moderate to high risk of heavy snow, particularly during the Wednesday–Thursday time frame. Snow impacts may extend into mountain passes, potentially affecting travel routes connecting the Central Valley to eastern California.
In addition to precipitation, periods of strong winds are possible across parts of the western United States during the same period. While wind impacts in the Central Valley remain uncertain, gusty conditions could contribute to difficult travel for high-profile vehicles along I-5 and open north-south corridors.
Forecasters warn that heavier rainfall could lead to localized urban, small stream, or flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage or recent burn scars. Residents in flood-prone locations are encouraged to monitor future updates as forecast confidence and timing details improve.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve toward the latter part of the weekend, though unsettled weather may linger in some areas. The National Weather Service emphasized that this is a medium-range outlook and specific impacts will be refined in daily forecasts.
The developing pattern may be especially relevant for commuters, agricultural workers, and long-distance travelers planning trips during the late-week period.
