Winter isn’t quite done with us yet, even though the calendar says it’s May and temperatures in the Valley already have soared into the upper 80s.

Get ready for a quick blast of winter weather, with a 20-degree drop in the daytime highs from Friday’s high of 83 in Fresno to the mid-60s Saturday and Sunday, a half inch of rain in Fresno from midday Saturday through Saturday night, and a winter weather advisory for the Sierra that will lower snow levels to 5,000 feet starting Saturday and ending Sunday.

By this time of year the Valley typically is seeing high-pressure ridges that bring warmer, drier weather, said meteorologist Emily Wilson with the National Weather Service in Hanford.

But a trough from the Pacific Northwest is bearing down on California, bringing cooler temperatures, rain, and snow.

This simulated radar loop from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh computer model depicts precipitation overspreading Central California Saturday afternoon. Precipitation will become confined to the Sierra Nevada and Kern County mountains Saturday evening. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/576EI6Y7r6

— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) May 3, 2024

“It’s definitely a very interesting situation. It’s not unusual this happens, but it’s definitely weird that it’s progressing this way,” she said. “We’re supposed to be getting a ridge by now, but we’re continuing to get troughs into the Valley. And the troughs coming down from the Pacific Northwest, driving down pretty far.

“Yeah, it’s definitely unusual. It can happen, but it’s very unusual that winter is still here and we’re still getting snow and rain in the Valley.”

This is May 5th in Yosemite.

What a breathtaking sight. pic.twitter.com/KdDF6K3nX7

— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) May 5, 2024

Now You See It …

Wilson said the wavy patterns over the polar regions are “more wavy than normal,” contributing to the weekend’s unusual weather system that’s quickly descending and will also quickly depart.

Dry weather and warmer temperatures will return early next week, she said.

If you’re planning to head up to the mountains this weekend, make sure to have your chains and also supplies like water, food, blanket and warm clothing in case you are stranded, Wilson said.

Snow will be heavier in the mountains in Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa counties, she said.