Modesto weather could shift from warm trend to thunderstorms, hail later in week
The weather in the Modesto area is expected to change from the recent warm and dry trend to possible thunderstorms later this week.
Sunny skies and afternoon temperatures in the low 80s are forecast Monday to Wednesday. But the high pressure ridge that kept the Valley warm over the weekend will break up and bring a change Thursday.
The National Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of thunderstorms during the day Thursday and possible thunder and lightning Thursday night.
The stormy conditions may include lightning, gusty winds, brief periods of heavy rain and small-size hail, the Weather Service said. The foothills and mountain regions could also see thunderstorm activity.
There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday and a slight chance of rain Saturday.
The daytime high in the Modesto area will drop from 78 degrees Thursday to 73 degrees Friday. Temperatures will dip to 72 degrees Saturday and 67 degrees Sunday. Partly cloudy skies are expected early next week.
Modesto has received 10.35 inches of rain in the current 2025-26 season, which is nearing the historic average of 12.16 inches, according to Modesto Irrigation District. But the snowpack in the Central Sierra Nevada mountains is only 21% of normal.
The Weather Service forecast did not project the amount of rain the thunderstorms could deliver this week.
