Modesto weather: Rain on the way, possibly lasting through Christmas Day
It has been foggy and cold in Stanislaus County. Now we could see some rain.
The National Weather Service reports that the Modesto area is likely to see rain this weekend, with a good chance of rain late Friday and a likely chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.
There’s only a slight chance of rain Tuesday and Wednesday, the NWS says.
According to the Weather Channel’s 10-day forecast, the rain could last through Christmas Day.
It’s been a dreary period in Modesto and the Central Valley, which haven’t seen the sun for more than two weeks.
The NWS continues to put out dense-fog warnings daily.
Why is it so foggy in Northern California and the Central Valley?
According to NASA, this weather phenomenon is called tule fog, named after a marsh plant that grows in the region.
These low-lying clouds typically form in the valley during the colder months when winds are light and the soil is moist.
Tule fog becomes especially dense when moist marine air, calm winds and clear skies come together.
“The Central Valley is fertile ground for the formation of tule fog, a persistent radiation fog, in late autumn and winter,” NASA said.
This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Modesto weather: Rain on the way, possibly lasting through Christmas Day."
