Several days of rain and gusty winds have impacted the Modesto area as an atmospheric river moved through California. According to the Modesto Irrigation District, 1.06 inches of rain fell in the past 48 hours as of Monday morning, Nov. 17. Earlier reports from Tuesday, Nov. 11, showed that since Wednesday, a total of 2.22 inches had been recorded.
This brings the seasonal rainfall total for Modesto—measured from July 1 through June 30, 2026—to 3.42 inches so far. The region’s wettest season on record occurred in 1983 with a total of 26.01 inches between July 1982 and June 1983.
The National Weather Service stated that the weather system would continue to bring rain to the West Coast, resulting in “embedded thunderstorms over Central California, mainly through early Tuesday morning.” The agency expected another 0.1 to 0.25 inches of rain in Modesto on Monday.
The latest forecast for Monday predicted cloudy skies with a 60% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms before 8 p.m., with temperatures ranging from a high near 59 degrees to a low around 48 degrees.
For Tuesday, partly sunny conditions are expected with highs around 59 and lows near 48, along with light winds at about five miles per hour. Wednesday’s forecast includes a high near 60 and low around 50 with a 30% chance of rain; Thursday brings increased chances of precipitation at about fifty percent, daytime highs near fifty-eight degrees and nighttime lows around forty-eight degrees.
By Friday, clear skies are expected to return with sunny weather and temperatures reaching about sixty during the day and forty-five overnight. The weekend should see continued sunshine with Saturday highs near sixty-one degrees and overnight lows close to forty-five.
In an advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), the National Weather Service warned drivers about slick roads and longer-than-normal commutes due to ongoing wet conditions: “Drivers should beware of ‘slick roads and longer-than-normal commutes.’” The agency also noted there could be “ponding water in low-lying areas and roadways.”
The California Department of Motor Vehicles’ Driver Handbook advises motorists to reduce speed by up to ten miles per hour when it rains: “Slow down at the first sign of rain, especially after a dry spell,” according to guidance on its website. “A slippery road will not give your tires the grip they need.” If hydroplaning occurs, drivers are advised to slow down gradually without using brakes.
