Tuesday's thunderstorms will cool us down; a possible El Niño would warm next Winter up
Published on April 20, 2026.
A potential El Niño could warm California next Winter up, according to long range climate models. This weekend's weather was largely pleasant, with temperatures reaching highs in the low 80's for the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Madera, and Hanford all topped out at 86. However, a potential Spring storm will bring cooler and wetter weather by Tuesday, with high temperatures expected to drop from the mid-80's to the middle 60s. Rainfall totals are expected to be variable, with significant amounts expected for Fresno and Merced. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Sierra Nevada from late Monday night through Wednesday afternoon, warning that Winter weather will return soon. Long range climate forecasts are beginning to settle in on a forecast for El Niño, which is predicted to develop next Winter.
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