‘General risk’ of thunderstorms for Merced as rain returns to region. Here’s when
Thunder could soon roll through the Merced area, along with some rain showers, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, parts of the Sierra Nevada could see “heavy snowfall,” said Kris Mattarochia, a forecaster with the National Weather Service’s Hanford office.
Merced can expect temperatures to get “a little bit warmer” — with high temperatures in the mid- to high 50s — before becoming cooler, he said.
“There is a general risk for thunderstorms on Thursday as the midweek storm system passes through central California, the weather service said in an X post. “Stay aware of lightning, small hail and gusty, erratic winds near storms.”
The last time Merced had any measurable rainfall was on Sunday, March 2, according to the weather service.
On that date, Merced saw up to three quarters of an inch of precipitation, the agency said.
Here’s what to expect:
What’s the weather forecast for Merced?
Tuesday was expected to be mostly sunny, with a high temperature near 61 degrees and calm winds around 5 mph, according to the weather service’s latest seven-day forecast.
There was a 30% chance of precipitation on Tuesday night, when the low temperature will be 46 degrees.
Rain could start falling after 10 p.m., the weather service said.
When will rain, thunder start?
On Wednesday morning, there is a 90% chance of precipitation, the weather service said.
Wednesday will have a high near 55 and an overnight low around 41.
More rain was expected Wednesday night, with a 80% chance of precipitation before 4 a.m., and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
There’s a 10% to 15% probability of thunder on Thursday, the weather service said via X, “primarily in the afternoon as (temperatures) warm to their peak.”
Mattarochia said the thunderstorm could happen anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday.
“There’s good opportunity in the morning and then in the afternoon, but it’s really hard to pin down,” he said.
In Merced, “We’re probably looking at a 10th of an inch of rain to about a half inch” of rainfall, Mattarochia said.
Precipitation amounts will be “much greater” in the Sierra foothills, he said, with snowfall at elevations above 6,000 feet.
Thursday will have a high near 55 and an overnight low around 36.
How long will wet weather last?
Skies should clear by Friday, which is expected to be sunny with a high near 61 and a low around 37.
Saturday will also be sunny with a high near 66 and an overnight low around 40.
More sunshine is expected on Sunday, along with a high near 72.
Showers could be back on Sunday night, when there’s a 30% chance of rain.
Monday has a 60% chance of precipitation, with wind gusts as high as 15 mph.
The high will be near 63.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, most of California can expect below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation from March 11 through March 17.
This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 12:39 PM.
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