Snow in Summer? California Prepares for Ultra-Rare August Snow

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 22, 2024

This weekend, the Sierra Nevada is expected to experience a rare meteorological phenomenon: snow in August.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Hanford has reported that this will be the first occurrence of August snow in the region in 20 years, highlighting a significant break from typical weather patterns.

Cold Front Affecting Several States

A broad cold front is impacting the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest, bringing temperatures that resemble those typically seen in fall.

A weather map showing the probability of 0.1 inches of snow or greater in various regions of California, with areas colored from light purple to dark red indicating increasing likelihoods

Source: NWSHanford/X

According to forecasts, some areas will experience temperatures that are as much as 15 degrees below the average for this time of year, indicating a substantial deviation from seasonal norms.

Details on the Incoming Storm System

Dan Harty, a meteorologist with the NWS, spoke to Newsweek about a storm system approaching from the northwest.

Satellite image of the Sierra Nevada mountains covered in snow, with surrounding areas showing less snow cover, highlighting the rugged terrain from above

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This system is expected to lower temperatures in California by about 10 degrees below average. Particularly in higher elevation areas, this could lead to snowfall, the first in the high Sierra Nevada in August for at least two decades.

Unusual Weather Event Recorded

The NWS Hanford office took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce, “An unusually, early, cold storm, even for the High Sierra above 8000 feet. August snow has not occurred in these locations for at least 20 years.”

A satellite image capturing extensive snow cover over a large mountainous region, with dense white snow contrasting sharply with the dark mountain ridges

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This announcement illustrates the rarity of the upcoming weather conditions.

Statistical Chances of Snowfall

The same post from NWS Hanford included a graph indicating the likelihood of snowfall. Early estimates show a 10 to 25 percent chance of snow exceeding half an inch on Saturday morning, with the probability increasing to 40 percent by Saturday evening.

A snow-covered road winding through a dense forest of pine trees, with the road barely visible under the thick white snow

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Snow chances persist into Sunday morning, particularly in the high regions of Yosemite National Park.

Travel Warnings Issued

Due to the forecasted snow, conditions on Tioga Road might become hazardous.

Three people shovel snow away from a heavily snow-covered vehicle in a parking lot

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The NWS Hanford office has issued warnings of potentially slippery roads and significantly reduced visibility. They advised motorists to consider altering their travel plans to avoid the anticipated “winter-like conditions.”

Brief Duration of Snow Expected

Despite the unusual snowfall, the cold conditions are forecasted to be short-lived.

A snow-covered cliff under a bright sunrise with the sun illuminating the tops of coniferous trees and mist rising from the valley, creating a serene, wintry scene

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“The snow would be short-lived,” Harty mentioned to Newsweek, predicting that California will return to above-normal temperatures the following week.

Extreme Heat in Other U.S. Regions

While California experiences this unusual cold snap, other states are facing severe heat.

A man in a wet white shirt stands in front of a house, using a garden hose to spray water directly onto his face

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Texas is under heat advisories with temperatures reaching past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, pushing the heat index up to 116 degrees, indicating dangerously high heat levels.

Diverse Weather Across California

While parts of California prepare for unexpected snow, northeastern California is under a fire weather watch, and southeastern California is enduring an excessive heat warning.

A firefighter stands beside a green fire engine on a road through burnt forest terrain, with smoke rising from the charred landscape under a hazy sky

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This variety of weather conditions highlights the diverse climatic experiences across the state.

Temperature Extremes Across the U.S.

The contrasting weather patterns across the U.S. are striking.

A wide shot of cracked dry earth in a barren field with small green plants struggling to grow

Source: Wikimedia Commons

As northeastern California monitors potential wildfire conditions due to high heat, southeastern areas are dealing with the pressures of excessive heat warnings, reflecting the unpredictable nature of current climate conditions.

A Week of Meteorological Extremes

The United States is currently witnessing a range of extreme weather conditions this week.

A vineyard blanketed in snow with bare grapevines sticking out of the white ground, a fence running along the field, and a background of snow-covered hills and sparse trees

Source: Wikimedia Commons

From unexpected snowfall to record-breaking heat, the variance stresses the importance of preparedness and awareness of local weather forecasts.

Importance of Weather Preparedness

Given the current extreme and diverse weather conditions, staying informed through local weather updates is crucial.

Panoramic view of majestic snow-covered mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, with the landscape featuring ridges and valleys highlighted by the sun

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Whether facing unseasonal snow or extreme heat, appropriate planning and safety measures are essential to navigate these unusual weather patterns effectively.