Cooler temps expected for Merced this week

Monday in Merced was welcomed with cooler temperatures and a few raindrops, bringing the area some much-needed relief from last week’s heat.

Precipitation was reported in most of the southern half of the Central Valley on Monday, said Scott Rowe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford. In Merced only trace amounts were recorded.

Rowe explained that an upper level storm system has moved into the area, causing the cool-down. A more favorable wind pattern has also helped sweep smoke from the Rough fire out of the region.

The moisture, Rowe said, can be helpful in containing the fire, which is now at about 138,000 acres – approximately the size of the cities of Fresno, Clovis, Visalia and Hanford combined.

According to state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Rough fire is currently the largest active fire and the 16th largest wildfire in state history.

“Any type of moisture will help firefighters,” Rowe said. “Moisture doesn’t allow for fuel to take off as quickly and prohibits some burns as well.”

As of Monday afternoon, some areas such as Clovis had recorded 0.07 inches of rain, and rangers in Yosemite had reported snow in elevations above 10,000 feet.

Temperatures in Merced will remain below average most of this week. The average for this time of year is 89 degrees, Rowe said. Monday’s high reached 84. Highs of 81 and 80 are expected for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. There is also a 40 percent chance of showers on Tuesday.

Temperatures will begin to crawl back up on Thursday with a high of 84 and a high of 90 on Friday. Weather in the mid-90s is expected over the weekend.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 6:42 PM with the headline "Cooler temps expected for Merced this week."