FXUS66 KHNX 190448
AFDHNX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
948 PM PDT Mon May 18 2026


.KEY MESSAGES...

1. Low relative humidities in the lower elevations of Central
California brings at least a moderate risk of Fire Danger this
week. 

2. Warming trend throughout the week. 

3. Practice safety around area lakes, rivers, and streams as
water is still running cold. 

&&

.DISCUSSION...
The low pressure system has moved to further eastward, so
pressure gradients have relaxed. Thus, winds will be generally
light and diurnal across our area. High pressure will gradually
rebuild along the West Coast, and a warming trend continues 
on Tuesday. Highs have a moderate probability to reach 90 
degrees in the San Joaquin Valley on Tuesday with a higher 
chance Wednesday through Saturday. A low probability of a triple
digit reading exists for Thursday and Friday; it is more likely
that highs top into the mid to upper 90s. Temperatures across 
the Kern County desert will begin to warm more noticeably on 
Wednesday. Unfortunately, low daytime humidity will persist and
lower further as we get the hotter temperatures later this week.

Warmer than average temperatures persist Sunday and early next
week, although with some moderation as an upper-level trough 
passes over the Pacific Northwest. For now, highs will remain in
the lower to mid 90s at the warmest locations. Latest CPC
outlooks show continued above average temperatures and near
average precipitation (which is little to none during this time
of year). Dry conditions persist for the foreseeable future.

&&


.AVIATION...
VFR conditions will prevail for the next 24 hours.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Low relative humidity (RH) values continue in much of the lower
elevations this week. There will be threats for rapidly 
developing grass fires in these areas. Minimum RH values will 
persist as well, with most areas being under 15 percent RH. 
Winds are not forecasted to be as strong as they were over last 
weekend. A warming and drying trend will be moving into Central 
California later this week. The RH in the valley areas are 
expected to be less than 15 percent until Thursday. This leads 
to elevated fire weather throughout the week. Poor to moderate 
overnight humidity recovery will also occur for the latter part 
of this week.

&&

.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
None.

&&

.CERTAINTY...

The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is high.
The level of certainty for days 3 through 7 is medium.

Certainty levels include low...medium...and high. Please visit
www.weather.gov/hnx/certainty.html for additional information
and/or to provide feedback.

&&

.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

$$

BSO

weather.gov/hanford