Area Forecast Discussion

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National Weather Service - San Joaquin Valley / Hanford, CA
Issued: Wednesday, May 27 2026 - 11:09 AM PDT

KEY MESSAGES... 1. Wind Advisory in effect 11 PM Monday to 11 AM Wednesday for Indian Wells Valley, Mojave Desert Slopes, and Mojave Desert.

2. Lake Wind Advisory in effect until 5 PM Wednesday for Kern River Valley, including Lake Isabella.

3. Cut-off low pressure system will lead to increased winds and potential for precipitation in the Sierra Nevada and the foothills, with snow levels around 7000 feet.

4. A slight chance for thunderstorms exists for Wednesday and Thursday along the Sierra Nevada crest.

5. Practice safety around lakes, rivers, and streams, as water is still running cold.

DISCUSSION... The cutoff low has begin to settle over Central California today. With it, there will be a 15 to 25 percent chance of thunderstorms today in the Sierra Nevada. The foothills will have a 10 to 15 percent chance of thunderstorms, and the San Joaquin Valley itself will be sitting at a 5 to 10 percent chance of thunderstorms. Winds are decreasing, so the Wind Advisory for the Mojave Desert Slopes will expire this morning, while the Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Isabella will expire later this evening.

The low will persist into Thursday and keep temperatures cool. High temps will be widespread low 70's throughout the Valley covered by this CWA. The foothills can expect to see low 60's and the Sierra Nevada will be in the 40's. Thunderstorm chances also persist into tomorrow. In the Valley, there is a 10 to 15 percent chance for thunderstorms. The foothills will see a 20 to 25 percent chance and the Sierra Nevada crest seeing a 25 to 30 percent chance for thunderstorms. There is a 20 to 70 percent chance of 4 inches or more of snowfall above 7,500 feet through tonight.

By Friday, the low will have began to move out of the area, allowing for ridging and zonal flow to take place once again. Temperatures will return to the 90's once again during this time. CPC continues to favor above normal temperatures as well, as the 6-10 day and 8-14 day outlooks are at 50 to 60 percent chance of above average temperatures, and near normal precipitation.

AVIATION... 15 to 25 percent chance of thunderstorms over the Sierra Nevada between 18Z Wednesday and 6Z Thursday. Otherwise, VFR conditions prevailing across interior central California for the next 24 hours.

AIR QUALITY ISSUES... None.

CERTAINTY...

The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is high. The level of certainty for days 3 through 7 is medium.

Certainty levels include low...medium...and high. Please visit www.weather.gov/hnx/certainty.html for additional information and/or to provide feedback.

HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory until 11 AM PDT this morning for CAZ337>339. Lake Wind Advisory until 5 PM PDT this afternoon for CAZ332.