The Climate Prediction Center says there is a 60% to 70% chance of above-average precipitation for Fresno and the Sierra over the next two weeks.

That squares with other forecast models indicating that Fresno and nearby communities could receive a total of 1.5 inches of rain between Tuesday night and Thursday, March 13.

The wettest days in the forecast are Wednesday, when up to a half-inch could fall, and Wednesday, March 12, when about sixth-tenths of a inch is expected.

Between those weathermakers, Fresno should see several days with sprinkles and showers, including Monday when the National Weather Service forecast calls for a 70% chance of rain.

In addition, the Climate Prediction Center says there is a 70% chance of below-average temperatures through March 17.

According to NWS data, Fresno’s historical rain average for March is 1.90 inches. The daily March record for rainfall is 2.38 inches set on March 10, 1995.

How NOAA Firings Impact You

The first round of firings started Thursday, Feb. 27, at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a government agency that monitors the oceans, the atmosphere where storms roam and space, and puts out hundreds of “products” daily. Those products generally save lives and money, experts say.

NOAA’s 301 billion weather forecasts every year reach 96% of American households.

The firings are “going to affect safety of flight, safety of shipping, safety of everyday Americans,” Admiral Tim Gallaudet told The Associated Press. President Donald Trump appointed Gallaudet as acting NOAA chief during his first administration. “Lives are at risk for sure.”

Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad agreed.

“We’re getting into prime tornado time. We’re getting into planting season for the agricultural season for the bread belt,” Spinrad said. “It’s going to affect safety. It’s going to affect the economy.”

Elon Musk has repeatedly defended federal workforce cuts by his Department of Government Efficiency as “common sense.”

(Associated Press contributed to this article.)