Kern County Sees Rain and Showers as New Storm System Moves In

Spotty showers and cooler temperatures expected over the next 24 hours

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:38am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a dramatic, fog-shrouded mountain range in Kern County, with a small farmhouse or barn in the foreground, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.The powerful storm system moving through Kern County serves as a humbling reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for resilience in the face of nature's might.Bakersfield Today

A Pacific frontal boundary brought decent rainfall to parts of Kern County, California, during the early morning hours of Sunday. The Woody rain gauge recorded about half an inch of rain, while other areas saw between a tenth and half an inch. The storm system is expected to bring an on-and-off shower possibility over the next day, with the potential for small hail and some snow accumulation near the 5,000-foot level.

Why it matters

Kern County, located in the Central Valley of California, is known for its agricultural industry and susceptibility to extreme weather events. This storm system could impact farming operations, transportation, and outdoor activities in the region.

The details

The storm system is being driven by a low-pressure area moving across northern California, combined with a reinforcing energy coming in from the Pacific. This is expected to consolidate into a single low-pressure system that will pass over or near Kern County on Monday. This could lead to a mix of sunny, rainy, and potentially hail-producing conditions across the region over the next 24 hours.

  • The Pacific frontal boundary pushed across Kern County during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The low-pressure system is expected to pass over or near Kern County on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Kern County

A county located in the Central Valley of California, known for its agricultural industry and susceptibility to extreme weather events.

Woody rain gauge

A rain gauge located about halfway between McFarland and the Kern River Valley that recorded about half an inch of rain.

Meadows Field

An airport in Bakersfield, California, that recorded 0.18 inches of rain.

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What’s next

The forecast for the rest of the week includes a tug-of-war between a Pacific ridge and a Western US trough, which could lead to slower-than-expected warming and elevated winds, especially around Thursday. There is also a possibility of another storm system arriving early next week, but forecasters would like to see more consistency in the models before confirming this.

The takeaway

This storm system highlights the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns that Kern County can experience, which can have significant impacts on the region's agricultural industry and outdoor activities. Residents and businesses should stay informed and prepared for potential weather-related disruptions in the coming days.