This weekend, California drivers should take it easy on the roads as the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a rare August snowfall. With weather conditions shifting, slick roads could pose some hazards.
Across the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest, people are experiencing cooler temperatures reminiscent of fall. A cold front is pushing down temperatures by as much as 15 degrees below average for this time of year. Meanwhile, a storm system is moving toward California from the northwest, which brings the unexpected possibility of snow this August.
The NWS office in Hanford has identified areas that could see snow, notably the higher elevations in Yosemite National Park. They estimate a 45% chance of at least 0.1 inches of snow along Tioga Road, which provides access to Yosemite’s east entrance and is nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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In a recent update, the NWS stated, “Here are updated probabilities on snowfall potential over the High Sierra this weekend. Although these are light amounts, motorists and hikers should be aware of this forecast,” sharing their insights on X (formerly Twitter).
A forecast map shared earlier highlighted the expected snowfall, declaring a light dusting possible above 8,000 feet from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Notably, the high country in Yosemite has a 30-50% chance of seeing 0.1 inches, and a 20-40% chance of up to 0.5 inches of snow.
#CAwx
A dusting of snow is possible above 8,000 feet on Friday evening until Sunday morning in the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The best chances are in the high country in Yosemite NP with a 30-50% chance for 0.1 inches of snow and a 20-40% chance of 0.5 inches. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/KwxcDlP7Bb
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) August 21, 2024
Motorists are advised that even a light snowfall could make Tioga Road slippery and significantly reduce visibility. The NWS urges travelers to reconsider their plans if they’re headed above 8,000 feet and reminds hikers and campers to brace themselves for winter-like conditions.
If snow does hit, it will mark the first August snowfall in the high Sierra Nevada in over two decades, according to the NWS. Looking ahead, above-average temperatures are expected to return to California next week, with the NWS even sharing projections of temperatures potentially exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the San Joaquin Valley.
As of now, there are no snow-related warnings or alerts active for California, according to the NWS.