A low-pressure system will move closer to Northern California starting Thursday, increasing the chance for on-again, off-again rain. This means a shift from the unseasonably warm and mostly dry conditions that the state has been experiencing to cooler temperatures and periods of wet weather.
Abnormally high temperatures were recorded in Stockton and San Joaquin County during March, with high temperatures about 15-25 above normal, according to National Weather Service forecaster Kate Forrest.
Central Valley residents should prepare for the possibility of damp conditions and thunder.
Thursday is expected to start with increasing clouds and a high near 78 degrees, according to the NWS. Showers are also possible later in the day, especially after 5 p.m.
Friday will turn mostly cloudy and noticeably cooler, with a high around 71 degrees. Showers will become more likely, and an isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, the NWS forecast shows.
Saturday will remain unsettled, with a high near 68 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms will continue, particularly in the afternoon, the NWS forecast shows for this weekend. Sunday is expected to stay partly sunny but with even cooler temps, with a high around 62 degrees and continued chance of showers.
The highest chance for wet weather in the Central Valley will be Friday, the National Weather Service notes, with the possibility of both showers and isolated thunderstorms.
No major rainfall totals are forecasted for the Valley, but conditions will feel noticeably cooler and damper than those experienced in recent days, the NWS said.