Fresno’s weather has cooled considerably thanks to a low-pressure system swirling above us, but as that system works its way eastward, expect a return to the more normal temperatures of the upper 80s to low 90s for the final weeks of spring.

A few strong thunderstorms are possible in the Sierra Nevada, adjacent foothills, and most of Kern County from 12 PM this afternoon until 11 PM this evening. In addition to dangerous lightning, any thunderstorm can produce intense rain rates, leading to localized flooding. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/nwgMlaljq6

— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) June 7, 2023

The eastern part of the Valley and Sierra remain under a thunderstorm watch on Wednesday, with the possibility of thunderstorms shifting eastward on Thursday and Friday, meteorologist Emily Wilson told GV Wire on Wednesday morning.

And yes, any rain accumulation will add to this year’s total for Fresno, which Wilson says is now 17.81 inches — about 7 inches more than normal.

Southern Tulare County, which is already inundated by floodwaters from the massive snowpack melt, and Kern County were under flood watches Wednesday morning when thunderstorms dropped heavy rain across that region, Wilson said.

Transition From La Niña to El Niño

Is this weather another symptom of a transition between La Niña and El Niño weather patterns? Hard to say, Wilson said, but it’s “very topsy-turvy for this time of year.”

Wednesday’s high in Fresno will be 76 degrees. The normal temperature for this time of year is 89 degrees, she said.

But for those people who aren’t into beach weather so far inland, take heart: A warming trend starts Thursday that will boost temperatures to 93 degrees by next Wednesday, she said. Thursday’s high in Fresno is forecast at 86 degrees, followed by 88 degrees on Friday and 84 degrees on Saturday.