California Suffering from Heatwave...Sudden Snowfall Brings an 'August Christmas'

Snow Falls for Two Days in Sierra Nevada Mountains High Altitude
Roads Closed Overnight Due to Snow Accumulation for the First Time in Over 20 Years

This summer, the U.S. state of California, which had been suffering from record-breaking heat and wildfires, experienced unpredictable weather anomalies, including the first snowfall in August in over 20 years. On the 25th (local time), foreign media such as the Associated Press and USA Today reported that the U.S. National Weather Service closed Highway 89, which passes through Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, due to about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of snow that fell overnight.

This summer, the state of California in the United States, which suffered from record-breaking heat and wildfires, experienced unpredictable weather anomalies, including the first snowfall in August in over 20 years.
[Photo by AP]

Photos posted by the National Weather Service showed the summit of Mount Rainier covered in white snow. The Minera Vista lookout at the southeastern summit of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California was also seen covered in snow. The Madera County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook, showing the unusual summer snowfall and urging visitors to stay safe. Officials from Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, both located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, also shared images of snow-covered mountains on social media the previous day. Larry Rich, Deputy Sheriff of Madera County, said, "Seeing snow in August is something I never imagined." Celebrating his birthday at the time, he said it was a rare occasion to spend a birthday surrounded by a winter wonderland in the middle of summer, making it a very special moment for those working there.

The U.S. National Weather Service stated that snowfall in this area in August was the first since 2003. Meteorological authorities explained that an unusual summer snowstorm passed through, bringing record rainfall to northern California cities such as Redding, Stockton, and Red Bluff. They also warned that although there was heavy rain, a cold front passing through was causing strong winds, increasing the risk of wildfires. At the same time, the weather authorities issued a flood warning for the northern California wildfire areas at the end of last month. The northern California wildfires, which began on the 24th of last month, swept through more than 1,700 km² across four counties, marking the largest wildfire of the year and the fourth largest in history.