BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A weather system is expected to bring rain to Kern County Wednesday and Thursday, possibly lasting into Friday. The National Weather Service says it could be the area’s first significant precipitation since April.
Rain in Bakersfield KBAK/KBFX
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman said a storm system bringing several days of rain in mid-October is unusual.
“To get a strong storm system that can deliver the potential of several days of rainy conditions in mid-October is something that we don’t see very often at all,” Neyman said.
National Weather Service Hanford meteorologist Stephen McCoy said Bakersfield could receive about a quarter to a half inch of rain, with higher amounts possible in the foothills and mountains. Temperatures are expected to drop to about 10 degrees below seasonal averages.
McCoy said flooding is not expected, but roadway ponding could happen in areas with poor drainage. He advised drivers to slow down and leave plenty of space between vehicles because even a little rain can lead to spinouts.
Rain in Bakersfield KBAK/KBFX
Some residents said they were preparing for the rain. Bob Goon said he had cleaned out his rain gutters. Austin said he had heard rain was coming but was not sure how much to expect.
“I don’t really expect much, to be honest,” Austin said. “I would love if it rains, but I don’t really have hopes for any of that.”
Neyman said it is possible this week’s storm could be connected to the developing El Niño, but it is difficult to know for certain. El Niño is a climate pattern involving warmer-than-average water in the equatorial Pacific that persists for months.
Courtesy: NOAA (noaa.gov)
“Having said that, we don’t know what will happen in the months ahead because there are too many variables involved,” Neyman said.