\u201cSub-freezing temperatures\u201d as low as 28 degrees are possible in Fresno and Merced as well as cities including Clovis, Dos Palos, Los Banos, Merced, Madera and Selma, the weather service\u2019s Hanford office said in the freeze watch.<\/p>\n
The same areas can also expect to see winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, the weather service said.<\/p>\n
In response, the city of Fresno is opening warming shelters<\/a> for the first time this winter.<\/p>\n Freeze warnings<\/a> were issued Thursday for the Sacramento Valley and northern San Joaquin Valley, including the cities of Sacramento, Modesto, Chico and Redding, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n The National Weather Service said its wind advisory will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday.<\/p>\n The freeze watch will be in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday through the morning of Saturday, Feb. 21, according to the weather service.<\/p>\n \u201cGusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,\u201d the weather service said in the alert. \u201cTree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition, frost and freezing temperatures could kill crops and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, the weather service warned.<\/p>\n The agency recommended taking steps to \u201cprotect tender plants from the cold.\u201d<\/p>\n Travel Alert SR168<\/p>\n Between the top of the four-lane and Shaver Lake, conditions are rapidly changing. When the wind picks up and snow falls heavier, visibility drops to near whiteout conditions. \u2014 CHP Fresno (@ChpFresno) February 19, 2026<\/a> Strong winds could \u2018make driving difficult\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cWinds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles\u201d such as buses and vans, the weather service said.<\/p>\n Drivers should use extra caution, or avoid hitting the road altogether, the California Highway Patrol in Fresno said.<\/p>\n On Thursday, the CHP issued a travel alert for Highway 168, sharing a video of a snowy roadway.<\/p>\n \u201cBetween the top of the four-lane and Shaver Lake, conditions are rapidly changing<\/a>,\u201d the CHP said in a post on X. \u201cWhen the wind picks up and snow falls heavier, visibility drops to near whiteout conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSlow down, carry chains, and reconsider travel if you\u2019re not prepared,\u201d the agency added.<\/p>\n The Fresno area had a \u201cchance of showers and thunderstorms\u201d before 7 p.m. Thursday, followed by rain, according to the National Weather Service\u2019s latest seven-day forecast<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thursday night was expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low temperature around 37 degrees and a 40% chance of precipitation, the weather service said.<\/p>\n On Friday, Fresno will be \u201cmostly sunny\u201d with a high temperature near 51 degrees and a low around 35.<\/p>\n More sunshine and cool temperatures are forecast for Saturday, when the high will be near 59 and the low will be around 41.<\/p>\n On Sunday, Fresno will be mostly sunny, with a high near 65 and a low around 44.<\/p>\n Clouds begin gathering on Monday, which will be partly sunny during the day with a high near 66 and an overnight low around 52.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a 20% chance of rain after 10 p.m. Monday, the weather service said.<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 4:29 PM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n The city of Fresno opened warming shelters in response to cold, windy weather. Debbie Noda Fresno Bee file How long will freeze watch, wind advisory be in effect?<\/p>\n
Slow down, carry chains, and reconsider travel if you\u2019re not prepared.@CHP_HQ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mviiSGhYAO<\/a><\/p>\n Icicles caused by irrigation by nearby sprinkler to protect against frost, cling to branches of a fruit tree loaded with oranges east of Fresno. JOHN WALKER jwalker@fresnobee.com What\u2019s in the weather forecast for Fresno?<\/p>\n
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