Mist and haze are expected across the San Joaquin Valley this week. The National Weather Service says the probability of reaching 70 degrees remains above 70 percent through Friday. The dry, mild pattern is expected to continue through Friday before cooler weather and a chance of rain arrive this weekend.
Light weekend rain in a broader climate context
The forecast points to precipitation beginning late Saturday or early Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation expected later Sunday.
For scale, NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals put Bakersfield Airport’s mean February precipitation at 1.18 inches. The normal describes an average for the whole month; by itself, it cannot establish whether a brief shower is unusual.
Historical floods are not a forecast for this weekend
Bakersfield has experienced major floods in the past: a 2023 KGET account quotes local historian Ken Hooper identifying events in 1868, 1893, 1914 and 1916. Those historical floods are distinct incidents and do not show that the much lighter rain currently forecast poses a flood threat.
For routine local drainage issues, the City of Bakersfield says residents can call 661-326-3111 to report blocked storm drains, siphons or catch basins. That contact information is general guidance, not an indication of a problem tied to this forecast.
Sunshine expected to return Monday
Sunday night is forecast to turn mostly clear with a low near 49. Monday should be sunny with a high near 69, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high around 72 Tuesday. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect; visibility may be reduced at KBFL early Wednesday morning. The weekend rain timing and totals remain forecast possibilities, not observed conditions.
