Kern County Weather Updates: Rain, Snow, and High Winds

Kern County experiences a blend of rain and snow this week.

News Summary

This week in Kern County promises a tumultuous mix of weather, including rain, snow, and high winds. Monday will start with light showers, tapering off in the afternoon. Thursday brings the potential for thunderstorms and snowfall in mountainous areas. A high wind warning is also in effect, particularly for the Mojave Desert Slopes. Residents are advised to stay updated on road conditions and prepare for possible travel disruptions.

Hello Kern County! What’s In Store This Week?

Get ready, everyone, because this week in Kern County is shaping up to be filled with a little bit of everything when it comes to the weather! From showers to snow and even high winds, it looks like we’re in for quite the ride. Let’s break down what’s happening day by day.

Monday’s Forecast

If you step outside this morning, don’t be surprised to see some light to moderate rain falling from the sky. There’s about a 50% chance of those raindrops, but good news is that the showers are expected to decrease by the afternoon. With a high temperature aiming for a cozy 62°F, it’s a decent day overall—just keep that umbrella handy!

As the day rolls into evening, the showers will become less frequent. We’ll see the temperatures dip with a low of around 44°F tonight, so it might be nice to snuggle up indoors as the winds keep blowing from the northwest at speeds of 10 to 15 mph, giving us a bit of a chill.

What’s Coming Next?

Looking ahead to Thursday, we’re in for another splash of rain. This time, watch out for a chance of thunderstorms too! Rain accumulation could be anywhere from 0.33 to 0.75 inches in Bakersfield by Thursday night. You can expect lighter rain in our desert areas, with totals expected between 0.1 and 0.25 inches.

Let It Snow!

Now for those who live near the mountains, especially around Tehachapi and Tejon Pass, be prepared for some winter magic. Snow levels will be initially above 6,000 feet but are forecast to drop as low as 3,000 feet late Wednesday night into Thursday. This means spots like Lake Isabella could see a mix of rain and snow flurries early Thursday morning.

From early Thursday onwards, Tehachapi and Frazier Park are likely to get consistent snowfall, with anticipated totals ranging between 2 to 4 inches for Tehachapi and 1 to 3 inches around Tejon Pass by Thursday night. And if you’re venturing to the mountains? Don’t be surprised if the higher peaks above 5,500 feet pick up to an impressive 6 inches of snow.

High Winds Ahead

While the rain and snow is making headlines, let’s not forget about those winds! A high wind warning is in effect for the Mojave Desert Slopes until Friday morning, with gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph. In the mountains, gusts could reach up to 45 mph. This combination of blowing snow and high winds may lead to tricky travel conditions and reduced visibility on Thursday.

Stay Alert

Before you hit the roads, it’s important to stay updated. The storm is expected to wrap up by Friday morning, but consequences from winter weather may linger for a bit longer. A flood watch is currently in effect for Kern River Valley, especially areas near the Borel Fire burn scar, with the Kern River Valley possibly seeing up to 2 inches of rain by Friday. Other areas like Tehachapi could receive between 1 to 1.5 inches and Mojave inching closer to 1 inch total.

As we dive into this mixed bag of weather, make sure you’re prepared for rain, snow, and wind, and stay safe out there! Here’s to a cozy, rainy week in beautiful Kern County!