Flood Watch hits Bakersfield as first big rain since April arrives
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The gist
A Flood Watch took effect Wednesday for Bakersfield and much of Kern County as rain moved in.
It's the area's first significant rain since April, and drivers face slick roads.
Background
Bakersfield sits in California's southern Central Valley, and Kern County's weather here is handled by the National Weather Service office in Hanford. The rain comes from a low-pressure system that dropped out of the Gulf of Alaska, arriving after an unusually warm Sunday that hit 91 degrees against a mid-October average of 79. The National Weather Service said the rain could be the area's first significant precipitation since April, which is why a storm like this draws attention in mid-October.
How it unfolded
- Oct 18, 2026Sunday reached a high of 91 in Bakersfield, well above the mid-October average of 79.
- Oct 19, 2026A potent mid-latitude cyclone was developing over the North Pacific just west of Washington state, with a jet stream of winds close to 200 mph.
- Oct 20, 2026National Weather Service Hanford meteorologist Stephen McCoy said Bakersfield could get about a quarter to a half inch of rain, with higher amounts in the foothills and mountains and temperatures about 10 degrees below seasonal averages.
- Oct 21, 2026A Flood Watch took effect at 8 a.m. for the Kern County South Valley, mountains, Kern River Valley and desert areas, through Thursday evening.
- Oct 21, 2026Rain moved into the Bakersfield area, and Bakersfield and much of Kern County were under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall that could cause flash flooding, per the National Weather Service.
- Oct 21, 2026Thunderstorms were possible Wednesday afternoon and evening for Kern County, with the heaviest rainfall mid-afternoon and a second round expected around 4 a.m. focused on Tehachapi, Lake Isabella and the Kern County desert.
- Oct 21, 2026The California Highway Patrol issued a travel warning urging drivers to travel with caution amid the rain and flood watch.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The National Weather Service said excessive rainfall may end in flooding, especially along burn scars, low crossings and urban areas, and that runoff could flood nearby rivers, streams and poorly drained areas.
- Expert
- National Weather Service Hanford meteorologist Stephen McCoy said flooding is not expected, but roadway ponding could happen in areas with poor drainage, and drivers should slow down and leave space because even a little rain can lead to spinouts.
- Caution
- The California Highway Patrol said even a few inches of rain can be extremely dangerous and can sweep a vehicle away, urging drivers to slow down, allow more space, use headlights when wipers are on, never drive through flooded roadways and avoid travel if possible.
- Public
- Bakersfield resident Austin said he doesn't really expect much: "I would love if it rains, but I don't really have hopes for any of that."
Still unverified
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman said it is possible this week's storm could be connected to the developing El Niño, but said it is difficult to know for certain. Forecasters also said it is still a bit early to know which areas will experience the most significant impacts.