An unusually strong cold front moved into Northern California on Friday, bringing a rare chance of snow in August to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
A low-pressure system from the Pacific Ocean is causing a few days of unusual weather, with temperatures dropping sharply and creating conditions for showers and thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. However, by Sunday, the weather is expected to return to the more typical August patterns.
For the first time in over 20 years, snow could fall in August on some of the highest peaks in California’s Sierra Nevada, especially around Tioga Pass and the tallest points in Yosemite National Park.
The National Weather Service in Hanford mentioned that it hasn’t snowed in August in this area since 2003. While the snow won’t last long, roads near Tioga Pass could be slippery, and campers and hikers should be ready for winter-like conditions. There’s about a 50% chance of light snow early Saturday, especially on peaks over 8,000 feet high.
Tony Fuentes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno, said that while it’s early for snow in August, it’s not impossible. Even if snow does fall, it won’t be much.
Some ski resorts in the Tahoe area, like Palisades Tahoe, are keeping an eye out for snow on Saturday morning. Patrick Lacey, a spokesperson for the resort, said that it’s very rare to get new snow in August, which is usually one of the warmest months in Tahoe. The last time they saw August snow was in 2004.
This change in weather is giving people an early taste of fall, with record cold temperatures possible in some areas. Tahoe City might tie its record for the coldest high temperature on this date with a forecast of 58 degrees, while South Lake Tahoe’s high of 62 degrees is 5 degrees below the previous record.
These colder-than-normal temperatures will be felt across Northern California, but the chance of rain and thunderstorms is causing the most concern.
In areas affected by the massive Park Fire, which has burned nearly 430,000 acres, a flash flood watch was issued for Friday and Saturday. Moderate to heavy rain could cause flash flooding and debris flows in these areas. Up to half an inch of rain could fall overnight, especially in Shasta County and the Redding area. Thunderstorms could also bring small hail, lightning, and gusty winds, particularly in the northern Sacramento Valley.
The storm system could bring gusty winds across the state, raising the risk of wildfires, especially in Kern County.
By Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to return to normal, and the rest of the month might even see higher-than-average temperatures.
