Mixed weather expected in Kern River Valley

Residents across the Kern River Valley should prepare for a changing weather pattern over the next 10 days, including periods of rain and the potential for flooding impacts as storm systems move through Central California.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel, and BakersfieldNow meteorologists show unsettled weather early in the period, followed by drier and milder conditions later next week.

Early in the forecast, the Kern River Valley, may see cloudy skies with periods of rain, particularly in higher elevations and along the northern end of the valley. Daytime highs during these periods are expected to remain mostly in the low to mid-50s, with overnight lows dropping into the upper 30s and low 40s.

The National Weather Service Hanford office has issued a Flood Watch covering much of Central California, including the Sierra Nevada foothills and Kern County. The watch begins late Saturday and runs through Tuesday for foothill and mountain areas below 9,000 feet, then expands from Tuesday through next Friday to include the San Joaquin Valley, Kern County mountains, and desert.

Forecasters say there is at least a 30 percent chance of one inch of rain in a 24-hour period on any given day from Tuesday through next Friday in the Central Valley, with much higher probabilities in the Sierra Nevada foothills below 6,000 feet. Areas near recent burn scars, including the French, Basin, Garnet, and Borel burn areas, face higher risks of flash flooding and debris flows.

Meteorologists are also watching for atmospheric river moisture mid-week, with the most likely window for impacts in the Kern River Valley between Tuesday night and Thursday.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and use caution as forecasts continue to evolve.

To stay informed on weather alerts: weather.gov.  or emergency information can be found at readykern.com.

Use caution driving in rain—wet roads and reduced visibility can develop quickly in canyons.