Fresno, in California’s agriculturally vital Central Valley, receives around 300 mm (about 12 inches) of rain a year, concentrated almost entirely in the winter months with a long, hot, completely dry summer. Because the surrounding valley is so flat and rain so infrequent, sustained winter storms, particularly atmospheric river events, can cause significant flooding of agricultural land and low-lying areas that see almost no water the rest of the year. The nearby Sierra Nevada foothills can also intensify rainfall as storms move eastward across the valley. Because a typical summer week here involves no rain at all, radar is most useful during the concentrated winter storm season. NWS Doppler radar KHNX (Hanford) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Fresno right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Fresno, California in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Fresno, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Fresno rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Fresno?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over California are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Fresno or pass by.
Is this Fresno rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.