BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Some Kern County residents welcomed this week’s rain, which brought a change in temperatures and about half an inch of precipitation to Bakersfield.
“The rain is good. It’s good for everything,” said Jason Gutierrez.
“I love how it smells and we do need the rain,” said Kristy Lopez.
AlertCalifornia camera overlooking Kern County on October 21, 2026. PHOTO: AlertCalifornia
Miranda Tiburcio said the rain gave her a chance to open the windows. “It’s good. It’s nice, it’s nice to keep the windows open. Keeps the fresh air in and it’s good for the health.”
National Weather Service Hanford meteorologist Brody Moore said Bakersfield received 0.56 inches of rain in the 24 hours before the interview. Rainfall across Kern County ranged from about 0.4 to 0.56 inches. Moore said that amount is unusual for October.
Rain in Bakersfield early Thursday morning on October 22. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
“That is pretty anomalous to have half an inch rainfall, especially in October,” Moore said.
Moore said it was too early to determine whether El Niño was responsible for the storm.
“It’s pretty early to draw the conclusion of whether El Niño is responsible for the storm,” he said.
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman said El Niño could affect Kern County by changing storm tracks and potentially bringing more active, stormy weather this winter. He said El Niño may increase the chances of a wetter winter, but it does not guarantee one.
Rain in Bakersfield KBAK/KBFX
Neyman said El Niño typically has its biggest impact on Southern California from December through February. He also encouraged residents to address property issues, such as leaky roofs and drainage problems, before more storms arrive.
“If people have any property issues, any leaky roofs, any flooded back yard challenges, go ahead and get that taken care of as soon as you can because when the storms do hit, it may be kind of late at that point,” Neyman said.