What’s coming after these latest storms clear from Fresno and other Valley cities after Christmas?

If the weather prognosticators are right, you better add another blanket to the bed.

In its long-range forecast, AccuWeather is predicting lows near or below freezing starting on Dec. 30. The Jan. 5 prediction for Fresno is an overnight low of 27 degrees.

Meteorologists expect an arctic airmass riding an upper jet stream into California to produce the low temperatures

Sunshine will accompany the “cold bomb” until the middle of January when rain and warmer temperatures are expected.

Simulated radar using high resolution rapid refresh model shows the progression and type of expected precipitation through this evening. Moisture streams up from the southwest with this first wave of energy. CAwx pic.twitter.com/yR0qU0LdTW

— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) December 22, 2021

Rain, Snow Through the Weekend

The National Weather Service’s Hanford office said Wednesday morning that there will be moderate to occasionally heavy rain over the Valley through Friday.

After a short break from precipitation on Friday night, the rain returns on Saturday.

Two to 4 feet of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet. Snowfall through Friday afternoon at some locations above 7,000 feet could reach 6 feet, the weather office said.

After a dry Sunday, rain returns Monday.

Be Careful if You Travel

Forecasters warned that multiple rounds of rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds will affect travel.

Chains are required on some stretches of routes through the Sierra, according to the California Department of Transportation.

Travelers are advised to check the Caltrans travel information webpage for weather, road conditions, and potential road closures.

You can view real-time conditions at South Lake Tahoe at this link.

Series of Storms Are Expected to Bring a White Christmas (and Rains and Wind) to Much of Northern and Central California – PG&E is Preparing Crews and Materials Before the Storms Arrive https://t.co/MXTY20hhZw pic.twitter.com/mW2n42CsSM

— Denny Boyles (@PGE_Denny) December 22, 2021