Storm sweeps Modesto. See how much rain we got and what’s next in the forecast
As an atmospheric river swept through California, the Modesto area saw several days of gray skies, gusty winds and steady rain.
How much rain fell in Modesto? Is more rain in the weather forecast?
Here’s what to know:
How much rain did Modesto get?
As of the morning Monday, Nov. 17, the Modesto area had received 1.06 inches of rain over the past 48 hours, according to the Modesto Irrigation District.
Earlier totals from Tuesday, Nov. 11, show the atmospheric river delivered 2.22 inches of rain since Wednesday.
Altogether, the storms have brought total rainfall for the season — which runs from July 1 through June 30, 2026 — to 3.42 inches.
According to Modesto Irrigation District data, the region’s “wettest rainfall season” on record was in 1983, when 26.01 inches fell between July 1982 and June 1983.
Will Modesto get more rain?
According to the National Weather Service, the system will continue bringing rain to the West Coast.
This will result in “embedded thunderstorms over Central California, mainly through early Tuesday morning,” the weather agency said in a Monday, Nov. 17, news release.
The atmospheric river was expected to drop another 0.1 to 0.25 inches of rain in Modesto on Monday, the National Weather Service said on X.
What’s in the weather forecast for Modesto?
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast for the Modesto area called for cloudy skies on Monday, Nov. 17, with a 60% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms before 8 p.m.
Temperatures were expected to range from a high of about 59 degrees to a low near 48 degrees.
On Tuesday, skies will turn partly sunny with a high around 59 and a low near 48, along with light winds around 5 mph.
Wednesday brings a high near 60 and a low around 50, with a 30% chance of rain.
Rain chances increase to 50% on Thursday, with temperatures hovering near 58 degrees during the day and 48 degrees in the evening.
By Friday, skies will clear up with sunny skies, a high near 60 and a low around 45.
The sunshine will continue through the weekend, with Saturday reaching a high around 61. The temperature will drop to about 45 degrees overnight.
How to drive safely on roads during rain
In a post on X on Monday, Nov. 17, the National Weather Service said drivers should beware of “slick roads and longer-than-normal commutes.”
The weather agency said there could be “ponding water in low-lying areas and roadways.”
Rain, along with speeds of 50 mph or more, can result in your tires losing contact with the road, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ California Driver Handbook.
When it rains, drive up to 10 mph slower.
“Slow down at the first sign of rain, especially after a dry spell,” the DMV said on its website. “A slippery road will not give your tires the grip they need.”
If your vehicle starts “riding on water” or hydroplaning, slow your car down gradually. Do not use the brakes.
