High Wind Warning 4, NWS Hanford, CA

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
904 PM PST Thu Feb 27 2025

.UPDATE...Updated for 06Z Aviation and cancelled Wind Advisory.

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.KEY MESSAGES...

1. There is a high probability for above normal maximum
temperatures Thursday & Friday.

2. Cool down begins Friday into Early Next Week.

3. Precipitation chances increase this weekend, with another
round midweek.

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.DISCUSSION...
We have had a ridge of high pressure over us the past few days
leading to warm afternoons. This ridge has led us to look out
for records to be broken today in the Valley. Bakersfield has a
70 percent chance of shattering its high temperature record of
83 degrees with even a 30 percent chance of a high of at least
87. Bakersfield has the highest probabilities as they are going
to see strong southeasterly gusts from the Tehachapi Mountains
this afternoon. Merced has a 40 percent chance of breaking its
record of 77, Madera has a 25 percent chance of tying or
breaking its record of 78, Fresno has a 35 percent chance of
tying or breaking its record of 79, and Hanford has a 35
percent chance of tying or breaking its record of 81. However,
we also have a Wind Advisory in Kern County Mountains due to
wind gusts hitting 45 mph in the Grapevine.

Luckily, latest ensembles are in agreement that there will be a
change as a cutoff low sweeps through Southern California Friday
into Saturday. This first low brings our first chance of rain
and snow in about two weeks with a 50 to 70 percent chance of a
dusting of snow in the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet. However,
the Valley and foothills have a 20 to 50 percent chance of any rain
accumulation.

We have a stronger trough moving in Sunday into Monday bringing
a 20 to 40 percent chance of a quarter inch of rain into the
Valley. The foothills have a 15 to 40 percent chance of an inch
or more of rain with this second system. The Sierra Nevada has a
30 to 60 percent chance of 6 inches or more of snow above 6,000
feet. Tuesday will be drier as a weak ridge develops in the wake
of this trough.

On Wednesday, another strong trough moves in bringing in another
dose of rain and snow to the area through Friday. This system
brings a 45 to 65 percent chance of at least an inch of rain
total to the foothills and a 25 to 55 percent chance of half
inch or more of rain in the Valley. The Sierra have a 35 to 65
percent chance of 12 inches or more of snow with this third
system. The CPC has picked up on this with a 40 to 60 percent
chance of below average temperatures and a 50 to 60 percent
chance of above average precipitation in its outlook.

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.AVIATION...
06Z Friday update: VFR conditions will prevail throughout the
Central California interior for the next 24 hours. Gusty
easterly winds near 25 kts are expected at KBFL until 09Z
Friday.

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.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
On Friday February 28 2025, Fireplace/Wood Stove Burning Status
is: Burning Discouraged in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced,
and Tulare Counties, and Kern (Greater Frazier Park Area) and
Sequoia National Park and Forest.

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.CERTAINTY...

The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is medium.
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
and/or to provide feedback.

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.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
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JPK/SM/Meadows/BSO

weather.gov/hanford