BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — As the year draws to a close, Kern County residents reflect on the top five weather events that shaped 2025.
In fifth place, the Bakersfield funnel clouds of March 6 captivated many. A late-winter storm brought scattered instability to the South Valley, resulting in an isolated thunderstorm cell that spun up a funnel cloud around 1 p.m. in southwest Bakersfield. Later that afternoon, another funnel cloud was spotted, with residents sharing photos and videos on social media.
A funnel cloud was spotted in Bakersfield on Thursday. CREDIT:{ }MATT RENVENAUGH
The fourth most significant event was the South Valley wind-blast dust storm on Sept. 2. A late summer monsoonal push collided with a heatwave, producing strong outflow winds exceeding 60 mph. The winds, carrying sand and dust, reduced visibility to zero, knocked down trees, disrupted power, and induced Valley Fever anxiety. Remarkably, Bakersfield recorded its highest summer temperature of 108 degrees during the storm.
A dust and wind storm swept through Bakersfield Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Ranking third were the desert flash floods, funnel clouds, and tornadoes of Sept. 18. Tropical Storm Mario’s moisture led to intense thunderstorms in the desert areas, producing at least one confirmed landsprout tornado near Palmdale. Torrential rains washed out roads and made major highways impassable, forcing the cancellation of the Old West Days Festival in Randsburg.
The second most impactful event was the mid to late November storm series. November, which began warm and dry, saw nine days of rainfall in Bakersfield, making it one of the rainiest months. On Nov. 15, Bakersfield set a new rainfall record with 1.23 inches, contributing to the third wettest November since 1889.
Finally, the most memorable event was the “Stratus Quo” relentless tule fog in the South Valley. Following the November rains, the area experienced weeks of gray skies and below-average temperatures. Highs remained in the 40s, contrasting sharply with the 80s and 90s in nearby regions. The stretch of 189 hours under 50 degrees ended briefly on Dec. 12, only to return to the 40s for four more days. The persistent fog and fleeting sunlight were a stark reminder of the unique weather patterns in the South Valley.
Fog on December 29. PHOTO: Caltrans