Weather whiplash: Modesto area can expect mid-80s, then possible rain into early April
Temperatures will spike briefly in the Modesto area before a return to early spring-like conditions and possible rain.
The National Weather Service forecast highs of 81 degrees Monday, March 24, and 86 the following day. The historical average is 68 for the 24th, according to the Modesto Irrigation District. Tuesday’s anticipated high is one degree shy of a record — the warmest March 25 in Modesto was 87 degrees in 1997, according to MID archives.
The Weather Service expects highs of 78 on Wednesday and 67 from Thursday through Saturday. Thursday has a 20% chance of rain, followed by dry weather into Saturday night.
Multiple storms could bring rain into early April, and snow to the mountain watersheds for MID and many other suppliers.
“High confidence that a return to an active period is expected late weekend into next week,” the Weather Service said in an email alert Monday. “Multiple systems will bring widespread rain, mountain snow, gusty southerly winds at times. Stay tuned for details.”
California gets most of its storms from November through March, but they are possible outside that range. The central Sierra has been somewhat below average this winter but could make up the gap in spring. The season officially began with the vernal equinox March 20.
