Cooler weather and light rain expected across Fresno this week

A weak Pacific storm system moving through Northern California will bring cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain to the Fresno area starting Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service office in Hanford. Highs will drop from the mid-80s Monday and Tuesday into the upper 60s by Thursday, with a 40% chance of showers Thursday afternoon and evening. Rainfall totals are expected to be light — a tenth of an inch or less across the valley floor. "It's not going to be much, but it's the first noticeable rain we've had since May," meteorologist Kevin Durfee said. The cool-down should give the region a brief break from the recent wildfire smoke. Warmer, drier conditions are expected to return for the weekend.