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1300+Bakersfield is about to swap summer-like heat for a soaking. After a 91-degree Sunday, well above the mid-October average of 79, a deep Pacific storm is bringing widespread rain and possible thunderstorms to Central California this week.
What Forecasters Expect in Bakersfield
A powerful jet stream is carving a deep trough south along the coast. By Wednesday, an upper-level low is expected to sit just west of central California, combining lift, Pacific moisture, and unstable air.
The National Weather Service in Hanford says this could be Kern County’s first significant precipitation since April. Bakersfield may see about a quarter to a half inch, with more in the foothills and mountains. Temperatures could run about 10 degrees below average.
Rain is expected on Wednesday and Thursday and could linger into Friday.
Flood Watch and Thunderstorm Concerns
A Flood Watch has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday. Forecasters are watching low-lying and poorly drained areas, washed-out rural roads, rockslides in trouble spots like Kern Canyon, and runoff over burn scars. Embedded thunderstorms could make rainfall totals highly uneven across the county.
Why the First Rain Is Risky for Drivers
After a long dry stretch, the first steady rain lifts oil and grease off the pavement, making roads slick. NWS meteorologist Stephen McCoy warned that even a little rain can cause spinouts, and he urged drivers to slow down and leave plenty of space. Roadway ponding is also possible where drainage is poor.
Wet-Weather Driving Tips
- Turn on your headlights whenever your wipers are running. California law requires it.
- Reduce your speed, especially on freeways and rural highways.
- Double your normal following distance.
- Skip cruise control on wet pavement.
- Never drive through standing water. Turn around instead.
- Check your tires, wipers and lights before you leave.
Who Is Responsible for a Rainy-Day Crash?
Bad weather does not excuse careless driving. California’s basic speed law (Vehicle Code 22350) requires drivers to travel at a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, including rain and reduced visibility.
A driver who speeds, tailgates, or looks at a phone during a downpour may be held responsible for the crash. Busy corridors like Highway 58 already see serious collisions, including a recent fatal head-on crash near Edison. Slick pavement only raises the stakes.
What to Do After a Wet-Weather Accident
- Call 911 and move to a safe spot if you can.
- Photograph the vehicles, skid marks, ponding water and road conditions.
- Get medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.
Injured in a Crash in Kern County? Talk to a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
Storms can turn a normal commute into a dangerous one. If another driver’s negligence left you hurt, an experienced car accident lawyer at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can explain your options and handle the insurance company for you.
Our personal injury lawyers help families across Kern County and other communities across California serve clients throughout the state.
Call (661) 490-9440 or visit our Bakersfield office at 1527 19th St, Suite 312 for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.