Although we still have a week of summer ahead of us, some parts of California are expected to receive several inches of snow late this weekend and early next week.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Hanford, California, issued a winter weather advisory on Friday. The advisory goes into effect late Sunday evening and remains in effect through Monday evening for Yosemite National Park and the towns of Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Devils Postpile, Florence Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Lake Wishon, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake and Cedar Grove.
“We have a very early winter weather warning. Yes, snow is expected above 8,000 feet in the forecast. The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Sunday to 5 p.m. Monday,” NWS Hanford posted Friday on X, formerly Twitter. “From #Fresno County to #Yosemite #CAWx there is a 45 to 75 percent chance of 3 inches or more of snow above 8,000 feet.”
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In addition to the snowfall, wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour could occur. Total snow depth could be up to 4 inches, according to the warning.
NWS chief forecaster Andy Bollenbacher said Newsweek that several inches of snow at this time of year is rare and has not been recorded for at least 20 years. He added that meteorologists issued the warning early to give people more time to prepare.
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“Be prepared for slippery road conditions,” the warning says. “Be prepared for winter weather conditions. With temperatures below freezing, there is a 45 percent chance of 3 inches or more of snow in Tuolumne Meadows. There may be some disruption at Tioga Pass, where there is a 55 percent chance of 3 inches or more of snow.”
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“Slow down and be careful,” the warning continues.
Although rare, it is not the first snowfall this season. A thin layer of snow fell in the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada in August. However, the snow did not stick around. Bollenbacher said the coming snow is more likely to stick around and accumulate, impacting travel and recreational activities.
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The forecast comes as the NWS warns that temperatures on the West Coast will drop this weekend.
“Temperatures across much of the West will be near or slightly below average through Saturday,” said an NWS forecast. “On Sunday, the Pacific frontal system will bring cooler, unsettled weather and temperatures will fall well below normal along the West Coast.”
The NWS Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook through Sept. 22 shows that the western states with the highest risk of below-normal temperatures next week are Southern California, Southern Nevada, Southwestern Utah and Western Arizona. Above-normal temperatures are expected across much of the United States.
