A Summer of Extremes: California’s Unusual Weather
This summer, Californians have had to endure blistering heatwaves, raging wildfires, and now, surprisingly, snow. An unusually strong and rare snow system dusted California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range early on Saturday, marking the first time snow has fallen in August in the Golden State in over 20 years.
A Birthday Surprise in a Winter Wonderland
Madera County Deputy Sheriff Larry Rich described the snow as “definitely unexpected,” especially at Minaret Vista, a lookout point southeast of Yosemite National Park. “It’s not every day you get to spend your birthday surrounded by a winter wonderland in the middle of summer,” Rich said. “It made for a day I won’t soon forget, and a unique reminder of why I love serving in this area. It’s just one of those moments that makes working up here so special.”
Sharing the Rare Snowfall with the Public
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office shared a video on their Facebook page, showcasing the rare summertime snowfall. The post urged visitors to stay safe, reading, “If you’re planning to visit, please drive carefully and be prepared for the chilly weather.” According to the National Weather Service, this is the first time in at least 20 years that Yosemite has seen snow in August.
Snow Dusts Ski Resorts and National Parks
Snow also fell at Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe ski resorts. Officials at Mammoth posted on social media, “This morning was chill. Take a look at the dusting of new snow on the mid and upper-mountain.” In Lassen Volcanic National Park, about three inches of snow fell, although most areas received just a light dusting. Within 24 hours, summertime temperatures returned.
Record Rainfall and Cooler Conditions
The rare summer snowstorm led to a record amount of rainfall in Redding, Red Bluff, and Stockton in Northern California on Saturday, according to the weather service. “Anomalous cool conditions” spread over much of the western U.S. through Sunday morning, reported the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.
Fire Danger Amidst Snow and Rain
Despite the unexpected precipitation, forecasters warned of fire danger due to gusty winds accompanying the cold front. A flash flood watch was issued for the burn scar of California’s largest wildfire so far this year, from Friday morning through Saturday morning.
Ongoing Wildfire Battle
The Park Fire, which started in late July near the northern California city of Chico, scorched over 420,000 acres and affected four counties. It climbed up the western slope of the Sierra and became California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record. Recently, the fire has been substantially contained, with California’s forestry and fire department reporting a 78% containment rate. Although evacuation orders have been canceled, islands of vegetation continue to burn within the fire’s existing perimeter.
References:
The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/25/california-winter-wonderland-summer
BBC News – https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cx2newg9g89o
