Merced weather: Rain on the way, possibly lasting through Christmas Day
.jpg "Motorists drive south along M Street during a short rain and hail storm in Merced, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.")
It has been foggy and cold in Merced. Now we could see some rain.
The National Weather Service reports that the Merced area is likely to see rain this weekend, with a 60% chance of rain late Friday, a 50% chance of rain Saturday and a 60% chance Sunday.
There’s only a slight chance of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, the NWS says.
Several events planned in Merced County could be affected by the rain, including the annual Hmong New Year celebration at the Merced County Fairgrounds.
According to the Weather Channel’s 10-day forecast, the rain could last through Christmas Day.
It’s been a dreary period in Merced and the Central Valley, which haven’t seen the sun for more than two weeks.
The NWS continues to put out dense-fog warnings daily.
Why is it so foggy in Northern California and the Central Valley?
According to NASA, this weather phenomenon is called tule fog, named after a marsh plant that grows in the region.
These low-lying clouds typically form in the valley during the colder months when winds are light and the soil is moist.
Tule fog becomes especially dense when moist marine air, calm winds and clear skies come together.
“The Central Valley is fertile ground for the formation of tule fog, a persistent radiation fog, in late autumn and winter,” NASA said.
