Fresno Sees Mild, Clear Week Before Rain
Forecasters expect a dry, mild stretch around Veterans Day before an atmospheric river brings several rounds of rain to California.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The National Weather Service forecasts a mild, clear week in Fresno around Veterans Day, with a moderate patchy fog warning in parts of the San Joaquin Valley early in the week. An atmospheric river is then forecast to bring multiple rounds of rain to California from November 14 to 18.
Why it matters
Fresno residents can expect pleasant daytime conditions for Veterans Day events before a wetter spell arrives later in the week. The incoming rain is also likely to bring decent snowfall to the Sierra, giving an early start to ski season.
Forecast values show Fresno highs in the 69 to 79 degree range through the week, while ocean waters off Southern California run as much as 10 degrees above November norms. Total rainfall amounts for the November 14 to 18 atmospheric river remain unspecified.
The details
Cold air from the Gulf of Alaska is colliding with warmer, El Niño-fueled moisture, which condenses the jet stream into an atmospheric river reaching further south into California. High temperatures in Southern California are being fueled by a major oceanic heat wave.
Timeline
Sunday into Monday (week of Nov. 9, 2026): moderate patchy fog warning in parts of the San Joaquin Valley.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day parade starts at 11:11 a.m. on P Street in front of Fresno City Hall.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026: Fresno's forecast high peaks at about 79 degrees.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026: most likely atmospheric river rain window begins.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026: most likely atmospheric river rain window ends.
Seasonal Patterns
The warm coastal conditions tied to El Niño are keeping Southern California temperatures in the 80s well into November. The incoming atmospheric river, by contrast, is a seasonal shift that could bring the Sierra an early snowpack ahead of Thanksgiving.
Plan outdoor Veterans Day activities for the mild, dry days early in the week, since rain is forecast to arrive from Nov. 14 onward. Residents should watch for fog in the San Joaquin Valley on Sunday and Monday mornings.
The takeaway
Warm, dry days this week give Fresno a short window for outdoor plans before the incoming rain. Check conditions again before the weekend, as the atmospheric river timing could shift.
What happens next
The atmospheric river rain window runs from Saturday, Nov. 14 through Wednesday, Nov. 18, when forecasters expect multiple rounds of rain and Sierra snowfall.
Further reading
For the latest local readings, see Current Conditions for Fresno.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fresno Bee.
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