Los Banos, CA (February 13, 2026) Merced County is expected to see several days of wet weather beginning this weekend as what forecasters describe as the “coldest storm of the season” moves into California. According to the National Weather Service, the first system is forecast to arrive Sunday, Feb. 15, or early Monday, Feb. 16, bringing widespread rain across the valley. NWS stated in its area forecast discussion that this first storm appears to be the strongest in terms of overall rainfall amounts and rain rates.
Rain is expected to impact much of the Central Valley, including Merced and Los Banos, with showers likely Sunday and continuing into early next week. The National Weather Service indicated that most coastal and valley areas could see between 1 and 2 inches of rain, with a possibility of higher localized amounts if the system strengthens. The forecast also notes the potential for heavier bursts of rain and isolated thunderstorms as the storm moves through the region.
The National Weather Service noted that forecast timing and intensity could be adjusted as the system draws closer, but officials advise Merced County residents to expect multiple days of active weather starting late Sunday. Dress warm and stay dry.
