A few strong thunderstorms are possible in the Sierra Nevada this afternoon. The primary thunderstorm hazards will be dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes, small hail, and wind gusts near 45 mph.

With warm temperatures this weekend, area rivers and streams in Central California may look inviting, but can be quite dangerous to those who enter. Reservoirs that are nearly full are releasing sizable volumes of water. Therefore, rivers and streams will run cold, deep, and swift, resulting in potentially life-threatening hazards. Brief exposure to the cold water of a river or stream may lead to hypothermia and loss of dexterity. Swift currents can quickly exhaust even an experienced swimmer and carry them into rocks, trees, and other vegetation within the river channel. Bottom line is that rivers and streams are dangerous places to seek cooling relief from the heat. Venturing into them can result in drowning or water rescue.

High temperatures throughout Central California both Saturday and Sunday afternoon's will be around ten degrees above normal for this time of year. Much of the San Joaquin Valley and portions of the Kern County Desert will see high temperatures reaching into the 90 degree range.

A warming trend is expected today through Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, high temperatures across Central California will be around ten degrees above normal for this time of year. High temperatures will remain well above seasonal values Monday and Tuesday. Here are probabilities of maximum temperatures of 90 degrees or higher for select locations in the San Joaquin Valley from Friday, May 10th, 2024 through Tuesday, May 14th, 2024.