It Feels Like Spring Today in Fresno, but Cold Wet Weather Is Ahead

The prognosticators at the National Weather Service in Hanford have good news for Valley skiers and farmers.

“All in all, the wet weather coming our way will be very replenishing,” says the NWS in its Thursday morning weather discussion. “One week from today, we`ll be boasting about a healthy snowpack over
the Sierra, much to the delight of skiers.

“We`ll also get a cold reality check in the days ahead. High temperatures will run a few to several degrees below normal Friday through at least the middle of next week.”

What exactly is heading our way after today’s spring-like warm weather vanishes?

A series of storms beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through the middle of next week.

Snow as Low as 2,000 Feet

The biggest weather maker is expected Sunday afternoon and could drop snow levels to as low as 2,000 feet on Monday night, the NWS says.

Thu, Jan 21, 2021 @ 5:26 AM PST: A colder, wetter storm is expected starting Sunday afternoon. Snow levels falling to 2,000 feet by Monday. Cool, unsettled weather will continue until at least Wednesday. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/ONjeZyRkPQ

— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) January 21, 2021

That storm, according to the NWS, could drop a foot or more of snow in the Sierra at elevations above 7,000 feet.

Meanwhile, The Weather Channel forecast calls for rain Wednesday through Saturday of next week.

So, keep your rain gear handy. And, if you’re headed to the mountains, don’t forget tire chains.

Yosemite National Park Remains Closed

Yosemite National Park will remain closed until at least Tuesday as the park makes repairs and clears trees felled by recent high winds.

When the park reopens, it will adhere to an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule for day-use only because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Parks Service says.

Visitors can expect limited services, including the absence of shuttles.

Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass are closed due to snow and ice.

Updates are available at this link or by calling 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Yosemite National Park will remain closed at least until Tuesday, January 26, as a result of damage to park facilities caused by this week’s Mono wind event. pic.twitter.com/bKbhnwBFOK

— Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) January 21, 2021