An atmospheric river barreling for California is prompting the National Weather Service to predict a 100% chance of rain for Fresno on Thursday with between 1 and 2 inches expected.

A 100% prediction has been a rarity this winter with spotty storms weakening and often failing to deliver the anticipated rainfall in Fresno and surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, even heavier rainfall is in the Bay Area and Central Coast forecast beginning Wednesday night with flooding a possibility.

Aside from the coming storm, NWS Hanford says there is a 30% to near 100% chance of freezing temperatures across the San Joaquin Valley on Tuesday morning. A Freeze Warning is in effect.

Storm Will Begin Early Wednesday Morning

The Fresno forecast from NWS Hanford calls for light rain after 4 a.m. Wednesday followed by heavier precipitation beginning at 10 p.m.

Thursday is likely to bring a mix of day-long rain and thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 25 mph.

For now, there is a 90% chance of rain on Friday, dropping to 30% in the evening.

After a weekend clearing, there will be a 20% chance of rain on the Presidents’ Day holiday Monday.

Sierra Snow Level Forecast at 8,000 Feet Elevation

For the Sierra Nevada, the forecast calls for a 65% and higher chance of 36 inches or more of new snow above 8,000 feet.

The foothills could see up to 3 inches of rain, triggering flooding and mudslides in wildfire scar areas, NWS Hanford said.