‘Above-normal temperatures’ in store for Merced County before rain
After several days of persistent fog, clearer skies and warmer temperatures are expected to return to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
“The fog and stratus from the Valley this morning has lifted and burned off, with abundant sunshine now being observed,” the weather agency said in a Thursday, Feb. 5, news release.
As sunshine breaks through the clouds, the National Weather Service said, “above-normal temperatures will prevail” across Northern California.
“Normal” temperatures are based on long-term averages recorded between 1991 and 2020 for the February-through-April period, Johnna Infanti, a meteorologist with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, previously told The Sacramento Bee.
Here’s what to expect in Merced County:
How high will temperatures get in Merced?
High temperatures could reach the 60s to 70s in the Sacramento Valley and foothills, according to the National Weather Service.
In Merced County, temperatures will likely remain “above normal” for this time of year.
The weather service’s latest seven-day forecast calls for “partly sunny” skies and a high near 70 degrees on Friday, Feb. 6.
Saturday is expected to be “mostly sunny,” with a high near 66 degrees, while Sunday, Feb. 8, will bring mostly sunny skies and a high around 65 degrees.
When will it rain again?
As the current warm weather pattern moves out and shifts east, a new system is expected to move in.
“Following above-normal temperatures across the West during late January and early February, a transition to much cooler temperatures is forecast” for most of California, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain showers and breezy winds could start Monday, Feb. 9, and last “through the middle of next week,” the National Weather Service said.
“Only minor impacts are expected over this timeframe,” the weather agency said.
How long will wet, cool weather last?
After a weekend of mostly sunny skies and above-normal temperatures, clouds are expected to return to Merced County starting Monday, Feb. 9.
The latest weather forecast shows Monday will be cloudy, with a high near 59 degrees and a low around 45 degrees.
There is 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday. The high will be around 57 degrees, and the low will near 45 degrees.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for a “chance of rain,” with a high near 56 and a low around 43.
Looking further ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center’s outlook shows below-normal temperatures and above-normal chances of precipitation between Friday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 19, for most of California.
This “active weather” could continue through at least the middle of February, the National Weather Service said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 12:14 PM.
