Storm Brings Rain to San Joaquin Valley

Light rain fell across the San Joaquin Valley over Halloween weekend, with clouds clearing Sunday and a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until Monday morning.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wide view of flat farmland under heavy grey overcast sky, with light rain streaks and low ground fog lying across distant fields. — Light rain and dense fog swept across California's San Joaquin Valley over Halloween weekend, with Tulare recording about three-quarters of an inch of rain. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A storm brought rain to the San Joaquin Valley over Halloween weekend, with most of it falling after trick-or-treating ended. Tulare received about 3/4 inch, Visalia 0.61 inches, and Madera 1/2 inch, while Merced and Los Banos each recorded 0.01 inches.

Why it matters

The rainfall arrived during a stretch of unsettled weather that also brought dense fog to the valley. Residents in California's agricultural heartland saw rain totals vary widely from city to city.

Recorded rainfall ranged from 0.01 inches in Merced and Los Banos to 3/4 inch in Tulare over the Friday-through-Sunday period. Sunday highs reached 65 to 67 degrees in Madera, Fresno, Hanford and Merced, with near-70 highs projected for the rest of the week.

The details

Most of the storm's rain fell after trick-or-treating ended on Halloween night. Clouds broke apart Sunday, and the National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the San Joaquin Valley through 10 a.m. Monday, concentrated in eastern Kings County from Hanford and Lemoore south to Corcoran.

Friday, October 30, 2026 through Sunday, November 1, 2026: Rain totals recorded across the valley.
Halloween night, October 31, 2026: Most storm rain fell after trick-or-treating ended.
Sunday, November 1, 2026: Storm clouds broke apart and highs reached 65 to 67 degrees.
Until 10 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2026: Dense Fog Advisory in effect.

Seasonal Patterns

The National Weather Service's Dense Fog Advisory for the San Joaquin Valley reflects the tule fog season that typically settles over the valley in late fall and winter. The rain and fog arrive ahead of a week of highs near 70 degrees, which is consistent with early-November conditions in the region.

Drivers in the San Joaquin Valley should expect reduced visibility in fog through 10 a.m. Monday, especially in eastern Kings County from Hanford and Lemoore south to Corcoran. Residents should slow down and use headlights when traveling in these areas during the advisory period.

The takeaway

Clear skies and near-70 highs are expected for most of the week after the storm, but fog can return to the valley in the early morning hours during this season. Check conditions before early-morning driving.