Merced-area 2023 rainfall total inching toward all-time record, meteorologists say
The Merced area has recorded above-average precipitation numbers since the first of the year with more rain expected over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.
According to meteorologist Emily Wilson, from Jan. 1 to March 1, Merced has recorded about 9.55 inches of precipitation. The average amount for the area over that time is about 4.64 inches, according to Wilson.
Wilson said a contributing factor to the increase in precipitation is continuous storms and constant frost the area has seen.
“Continuous frost is bringing all that moisture from the Pacific and bringing a lot more rain than normal,” said Wilson.
The average amount of precipitation over the water year from Oct. 1 is about 8.21 inches, according to Wilson. From Oct. 1, 2022 through March 1, 2023, about 15.07 inches have been recorded.
Wilson said rain and snow storms moving though the area including stratiform precipitation and isolated showers are contributing to more moisture and rainfall. According to Wilson, the Merced area recorded the most rainfall from Jan. 1 through March 1 in 1969, with 11.81 inches.
According to meteorologist Brian Ochs, the highest rainfall recorded for the area from January through March was 15.8 inches in 1998. Meteorologists said the Merced area saw the least amount of rainfall from Jan. 1 to March 1 in 2022 when .08 inches were recorded. Ochs said annual rainfall records for the area date back to 1900.
The Merced area is expected to see temperatures dip to about 33 degrees Thursday night with the possibility of patchy frost around 3 a.m., according to Wilson. A freeze warning is in effect Thursday night into Friday morning.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of about 58 degrees Friday before dropping to a low of around 40 degrees at night. Saturday is expected to see high temps in the mid 50s and a 30% chance of rain as more showers are expected over the weekend, according to Wilson.
Wilson said rain showers are more likely to occur Saturday night and continue into Sunday with a high temperature expected to be in the low 50s. According to Wilson, the weekend could see a total of about 0.1 to 0.25 inches of rain before clearing up Monday.
Wilson said the amount of rainfall expected over the weekend does not appear to cause a concern for any major flooding in the area. No flood watches or warnings have been issued for the Merced area.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Eric Zuniga, a section of Highway 59 from Reilly Road to Sandy Mush Road remains closed Thursday, due to flooding from nearby Mariposa Creek. Zuniga said it is unknown when the section of road will reopen. Motorists traveling through the area should expect delays and are advised to to avoid the area if possible, according to the CHP.