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Thursday, Jan 19 2012 02:47 PM

Rainy weekend on the way

By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

Bakersfield is almost guaranteed to see some long-awaited rain this weekend.

Two winter storms are forecast to push through California from the Gulf of Alaska this weekend, said Carlos Molina, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Hanford Office.

About two months have passed since the parched area last saw precipitation, Molina said.

"We definitely need quite a bit of water," the meteorologist said.

The first storm should hit Friday night and continue through midday Saturday.

"At least Bakersfield itself could see maybe up to a 10th of a inch of rain," Molina said. Tehachapi and Frazier Park could garner three to six inches of snow.

The second storm is forecast for Sunday night through Monday morning. Molina said that storm will bring about half the precipitation of its predecessor.

While the chance of rain is at about 70 percent for the first storm, Molina said the likelihood of precipitation for the second event is 40 percent because that forecast is further out.

High temperatures of 59 and 60 degrees can be expected for Saturday and Sunday, with lows in the mid-40s at night, according to Molina.

Motorists driving through the mountains should prepare for snow and the rain could bring out oil on roads, creating a slippery effect.

"Driving may be hazardous whether you're in the valley or the mountains," Molina said.

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