Rare August Snowfall Forecasted for California, The First Time in 20 Years

This year 2024 is seeing some truly unique weather. In July, South Africa was surprised to see snowfall in a game reserve, and now it’s the turn of California. Yes, California is expected to witness an extraordinary weather event as August snow is forecasted for the first time in 20 years. This rare occurrence, driven by a freak cold snap, has abruptly ended the state’s summer warmth. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford, four areas in the high Sierra Nevada will get most of the white stuff. These are Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Vogelsang, and Wolf where snowfall is forecasted this weekend. Read on to find out what’s in store for California this coming week.

Weather Overview: Unusual August Cold Front

A powerful low-pressure system originating from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to bring snow to the Sierra Nevada, a region typically basking in summer heat during August. This system is unusual for the season, with temperatures dropping significantly across the state. Snowfall is expected to begin on August 23, 2024, with peaks in the Sierra Nevada above 8,000 feet potentially receiving up to an inch of snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that this early snow could signal the start of the 2024-2025 snow season.

The First Snowfall of the Season

The unusual snow, never seen in the last 20 years, is due to an exceptionally cold and powerful Pacific Storm that will hit the West Coast. The storm is caused by an “omega block,” a stationary upper air pattern that traps heat in the south-central U.S. and creates cooler weather in the east and west. Between Thursday and Saturday, western Washington and Oregon are expected to receive 1 to 3 inches of rain, with far northern California getting up to 2 inches. The heaviest precipitation is forecasted for the northwest region of the state.

Impact on High-Elevation Areas

High-elevation areas, particularly those north of Interstate 80, from Mammoth to Yosemite and north of Lake Tahoe, are expected to be the most affected. These regions haven’t seen August snow in two decades, making this event particularly noteworthy. The Lake Tahoe region woke up to a chilly Friday morning with Temperatures in Truckee, California, just touched above 40 degrees, with areas of higher altitude already clocking below freezing point.

Cold Temperatures Across the State

California state will see temperatures 10-15 degrees below average in most regions. Lower elevations around 5,000 feet could see temperatures plunge to as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in areas not receiving snow, the cold front will bring a significant drop in temperatures, especially in the northern parts of the Bay Area. While the focus is on the unusual snow, some regions, including Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties, might receive up to 0.1 inches of rain. However, the rain is expected to be light and not particularly impactful.

Warnings for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The NWS has issued warnings for hikers, campers, and backpackers planning trips to the Sierra Nevada this weekend. The combination of cold temperatures, potential snow, and strong winds could create hazardous conditions. Moreover, the Lake Tahoe basin will see rain, wind, and possibly hail due to a strong storm expected on Friday night. The ski resort Palisades Tahoe has already closed its iconic Aerial Tram as strong winds are expected to batter the peaks preceding the predicted snowfall.

The Bay Area’s Temperature Dip

The Bay Area is also bracing for cooler weather, with temperatures expected to drop below the seasonal norm. Despite the chill, forecasters predict that the region will warm up again by early next week. Northeast Ohio will witness temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s, but temperatures and humidity will rise by the end of the week, according to WKYC.

A Word of Caution

The NWS Hanford office cautioned that snowfall could create slippery conditions on Tioga Road before it melts, potentially leading to significantly reduced visibility. They advised motorists to adjust travel plans in affected areas and be ready for “winter-like conditions.”

Long-Term Forecast: A Return to Warmth

This cold snap is not expected to last long. By next week, sunshine and warmer temperatures are predicted to return, with inland areas possibly experiencing triple-digit heat once again. Although August has provided some respite from the intense heat along the West Coast, a return to hot and dry conditions is anticipated early next week. The fire season in the Pacific Northwest generally extends until the end of September, and some regions of California may continue to face a high fire risk into November.

Conclusion: A Brief, Unusual Cold Spell

While this August snow is undoubtedly an anomaly, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. Californians are advised to prepare for a brief period of unseasonably cold weather before the return of summer’s warmth. Heat and humidity levels will rise to typical August levels, and not to the extent of what was seen midsummer.