Springlike conditions prompt almond bloom in Modesto

Though the weather – and the blooming almond trees – would have many thinking it’s springtime in the northern San Joaquin Valley, the region still has another month of winter.

And more winter-like conditions are expected to return this week, following several days of sunshine and breezes.

Tuesday is expected to be another balmy day, with highs of 76 in Modesto and 73 in Merced, according to the National Weather Service.

But a storm should bring some rain on Wednesday. The system, expected to move in later Wednesday afternoon and evening, could bring up to an inch of rain to the Valley and up to 2 feet of snow across the Sierra passes.

With the storm, forecasters predict lower temperatures, with highs in the upper 60s and overnight lows dipping into the upper 40s through Thursday.

The sunshine is expected to return on Friday, with partly cloudy conditions and a high of 64 giving way to a sunny weekend.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Springlike conditions prompt almond bloom in Modesto."