California Gets ‘Inches of Snow’ Warning in Summer

Even with a week of summer left, some parts of California are expecting several inches of snow later this weekend and early next week.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists at the Hanford, California, office issued a winter weather advisory on Friday. The advisory will go into effect late Sunday night and remain in effect through Monday evening for Yosemite National Park and the cities 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 Advisory. Yes, #snow is in the forecast above 8,000 feet. The Advisory is in effect from 11 PM Sunday through 5 PM Monday,” NWS Hanford posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. “There is a 45 to 75 percent probability of 3 inches or more of snow above 8,000 ft from #Fresno County to #Yosemite #CAWx.”
In addition to snowfall, winds could gust as high as 40 miles per hour. Total snow accumulations could reach up to 4 inches, according to the advisory.
NWS lead forecaster Andy Bollenbacher told Newsweek that several inches of snow during this time of year was rare and hadn’t happened for at least 20 years, according to records. He added that meteorologists issued the advisory early to give people extra time to prepare.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the advisory said. “Prepare for winter weather conditions. There is a 45 percent chance of 3 inches or more of snow at Tuolumne Meadows with temperatures falling below freezing. Tioga Pass can see impacts as they have a 55 percent probability of 3 inches or more of snow.”
“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the advisory added.
Although rare, it’s not the region’s first snowfall this season. In August, a dusting of snow fell in high-elevation areas in the Sierra Nevada mountains. However, the snow didn’t stick. Bollenbacher said the incoming snow is more likely to stick and accumulate, impacting travel and recreational activities.
The forecast comes as the NWS warns that temperatures will dip this weekend for the West Coast.
“Temperatures across much of the West will be near to slightly below average through Saturday,” an NWS forecast said. “On Sunday, the Pacific frontal system will usher in cooler, unsettled weather, and temperatures will drop to well below normal along the West Coast.”
The NWS Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook through September 22 shows that the western states with the highest risk of below-average temperatures in the next week include southern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and western Arizona. Temperatures across much of the United States are expected to be above normal.