‘Sub-freezing’ temperatures coming to Merced area. How long will cold weather last?
Bundle up, Merced. It’s going to get cold.
The National Weather Service in Hanford issued a freeze warning on Tuesday for much of Northern California, predicting chilly conditions and patches of frost.
In an X post, the weather service posted a table showing the “probability of minimum temperatures below 32 (degrees) in several cities in the San Joaquin Valley over the next week as a cold and dry air mass prevails over the area for much of the week.”
“Merced has a 55% probability of seeing temperatures of 32 degrees or lower on Wednesday morning,” weather service meteorologist J.P. Kalb said.
Here’s what you need to know about the forecast:
When is the freeze warning in effect for Merced area?
According to the National Weather Service, the freeze warning will remain in effect from midnight Tuesday, Jan. 21, to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Temperatures will remain cool as an arctic storm rolls across the area.
Which areas could see freezing temperatures?
According to the weather service, the freeze warning will affect areas of the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of Northern California.
That includes the cities of Merced, Turlock, Firebaugh, Bakersfield, Reedley and Visalia.
“Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees” are expected, the weather service said.
What’s in the weather forecast for Merced?
Merced was expected to be sunny on Tuesday with a high temperature near 61 degrees and a low temperature around 31 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
The Merced area could see patchy fog before 2 a.m. and after 3 a.m. Wednesday, as well as widespread frost mainly after 5 a.m.
Wednesday morning could have patchy fog before 9 a.m. and widespread frost, mainly before 8 a.m.
Otherwise, the day will be sunny, with a high near 60 and wind chill values as low as 32, according to the weather service.
The temperature could dip as low as 34 overnight.
Areas of frost will occur after 3 a.m. Thursday.
Merced will see a 35% chance of freezing temperatures on Thursday.
By Thursday morning, areas of frost are expected before 8 a.m.
After skies clear, Thursday will see a high near 65.
The weather service said Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
“Friday and Saturday, we are looking at a 15% chance of freezing temperatures in the morning,” Kalb said.
Is rain returning to Merced?
There’s a chance of rain on Friday and Saturday nights.
On Saturday, there’s a 30% chance of rain after 4 a.m. and before 10 a.m.
Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 57 and northwest winds around 5 mph.
Sunday will be sunny with a high near 58 and wind gusts as high as 5 mph.
Widespread frost is expected Sunday night, when the low will be around 33.
How long will cold weather last?
Merced-area residents can expect chilly weather over several days, according to Kalb.
“There is a 50% to 65% chance of freezing temperatures every morning, from Sunday morning to next Wednesday morning,” Kalb said.
How to stay safe in cold weather
During cold weather, it’s important to stay safe, the weather service said.
The agency shared these tips on how to stay warm:
- Dress in layers
- Limit time spent outside
- Don’t forget pets, plants, pipes and sensitive groups
To protect pets from cold, the weather service recommends pet owners:
- Bring pets indoors
- Provide sufficient food and water
- Ensure pets have a warm place to sleep, off the floor
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 1:42 PM.
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