Gusty winds, light rain possible in Fresno County through Sunday evening

Crosswinds on exposed roads and the first stretch of light rain were the biggest concerns in Fresno County Sunday afternoon, as west winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph were expected along the hills and mountains adjacent to the western San Joaquin Valley.

National Weather Service Hanford had issued a special weather statement for Fresno County, valid until 6 p.m. PDT, signaling conditions that could threaten life or property even though they were less serious than a warning or advisory. For drivers on Highway 99 connectors, farm roads, and routes leading toward the foothills, the strongest gusts were expected later in the afternoon and could make high-profile vehicles harder to handle.

The office’s latest forecast called for trace amounts to 0.2 inches of rain across the San Joaquin Valley, with 0.25 to 0.75 inches expected in the foothills and Sierra Nevada. That meant most valley locations likely saw only scattered, light wetting rain, but the higher terrain and the western edge of the county had a better chance of seeing more meaningful moisture, especially where wind and rain moved together.

The forecast mattered in Fresno County for more than just commuters. National Weather Service Hanford includes Fresno County in a service area where most of the economy is tied to agriculture, so even a brief weather shift can affect fieldwork, transport, and outdoor labor. Gusty conditions can also disrupt youth sports, park events, and afternoon gatherings that were set up before the winds strengthened.

The statement came during an active spring pattern across Central California. Earlier in the week, the weather office reported a confirmed tornado in Terra Bella, in Tulare County, and said the four tornadoes confirmed that day tied the record for the most tornadoes in one day across its area of responsibility. That backdrop underscored why even a non-severe statement drew attention across the San Joaquin Valley.

For Fresno County, the practical message was simple: expect a breezy, unsettled finish to the day, watch for slick spots where showers hit, and be ready for stronger gusts in open areas west of town and near the foothills before the evening wind-down.