An area of California has been hit with record-breaking cold temperatures for this time of year.
Warnings have been issued over the threat of hard freezes. This follows record-breaking heatwaves earlier in the year, and underscores the unpredictability of modern Californian weather.
Follows Heat Records
The freeze is all the more notable for having followed record-breaking heatwaves further south in the state.
The hottest July since records began is still fresh in the mind of Californians who experienced temperatures that were 7 degrees above the average for that time of year.
Killer Heatwave
The earlier heatwave was severe, with temperatures in Death Valley even threatening to break the world record for hottest temperature ever recorded.
According to reports, one person tragically lost their life during a heatwave in Death Valley.
Stark Contrast
Residents of southern California may therefore be surprised to see that their counterparts further north are facing a very different weather challenge.
Parts of the Sierra Nevada are experience snowfall, and records are beginning to crack in the opposite direction.
Nevada Winter Comes Early
California’s neighbor also faces a cold snap, with Reno, Nevada being hit with chilly temperatures.
The National Weather Service is reporting that the city has been hit with a “winter-like cold front,” coming from the direction of the Pacific Ocean.
Snow Sighting
The snow was sighted by a nearby resident, @CarterMurphy218, who posted on X, sharing his excitement with the unusual weather.
Murphy shot a short video showing the thick snowfall, and captioned it: “August 24th and we are officially on the board for snow!”
Sheriff Share
Madera County Sheriff’s Office were also quick to upload content to social media announcing the snowfall.
They used the opportunity to warn their audience of the unpredictability of the Sierra Nevada weather.
Mammoth Mountain
Hikers will need to be prepared if they intend to venture into the heights of Eastern Sierra in the next couple of days.
New snow is falling on Mammoth Mountain, in the upper- to mid-heights, turning the mountain white.
Record Low High
A new cold record was hit at Reno-Tahoe Airport, bringing a chill to Nevada’s 2nd busiest airport.
The high of 57 degrees Fahrenheit is the lowest high ever recorded in the month of August in the area.
Freeze Continues
Freezing temperatures are expected to continue in the region, as confident predictions have been made that temperatures will continue to drop.
NWS Reno have predicted a near-100% chance that Mammoth and Truckee Tahoe will face temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
