Wind Advisory 18, NWS Hanford, CA

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
355 AM PDT Sun Apr 10 2022

.SYNOPSIS...
High temperatures will continue to drop and be around ten degrees
below normal for this time of year by Monday. Precipitation and
strong winds are possible ahead of and along a cold front Monday
afternoon into early Tuesday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
The passage of a dry cold front on Saturday ushered in a change
in Central California’s weather. The strong winds of the Spring
season are in full force as the winds blew on Saturday. Observed
wind gusts were able to reach 20 to 30 mph as the cold front sweep
across the region. Along with the strong winds, the cold front
did manage to push out the strong ridge pattern that had been over
the West Coast for several days. After several days of having
temperatures reach into the 90s, the San Joaquin Valley barely
reached the 80 degree mark on Saturday. Central California will
remain under a cyclonic flow pattern for several days as
temperatures continue a downward trend as a storm approaches the
district this week. Unsettled weather conditions are expected
across the Central California Interior as rain, snow and strong
winds return once again.

Ensemble are still calling for a possible winter-like storm early
this week. Confidence is high in the break down of the ridge
pattern as a rather cold disturbance moves through the region.
Temperatures have started a down turn to more seasonal normal
values. Ensemble are struggling to see temperatures exceeding 90
degrees by Sunday afternoon. This low value in the probability of
exceedance for near 90s will increase confidence in much cooler
conditions at the start of next week. Observed surface pressure
analysis is currently showing the gradient from KSFO to KLAS
dropping below 10mb. Will expect the gradient to drop further as
wind speeds continue to lower this morning. While temperatures
will remain cooler this week, winds will see another rise as it
accompanies a winter-like storm on Monday and Tuesday.

Ensemble upper air analysis is still indicating very cold air
surging into Central California on Monday and into Tuesday. Along
with a possible storm that may drop into the district from along
the coast, ensembles indicate more snow for the Sierra Nevada by
Tuesday. Some uncertainty exist with the timing of the disturbance
as its instability may remain too far north for any convective
activity on Monday. Ensembles do show some weak cape extending
into the northern portions of the district (Merced Co., Mariposa
Co. and Yosemite NP) late Monday, yet, convective showers are
possible. Based on snow amounts, weak cape may add extra support
for the Weather Weather Advisory currently in effect for the
Sierra Nevada. While minor compared to previous storms, any
precipitation will help Central California. In addition to the
continued indication of possible precipitation, ensemble also
continue to indicate very low snow levels with this next storm.
Confidence is growing that some foothill locations could see a
dusting of snow with the storm. Afterward, ensemble show dry
conditions ahead of another possible storm around the Friday time
frame. Hopefully, ensembles will on to this next possible storm
for additional precipitation.

&&

.AVIATION...
VFR conditions will prevail across Central California through at
least the next 12 hours. Precipitation will return to Central
California Monday morning as MVFR and strong winds enter the area.

&&

.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
None.

&&

.CERTAINTY...

The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is high.
The level of certainty for days 3 through 7 is medium.

Certainty levels include low...medium...and high. Please visit
www.weather.gov/hnx/certainty.html for additional information
an/or to provide feedback.

&&

.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Weather Advisory from 5 AM Monday to 5 AM PDT Tuesday for
CAZ323-325>331.

&&

Public/Aviation/Fire Wx...Molina
IDSS/PIO/Social Media.....BS

weather.gov/hanford