Unseasonable Weather Brings Snow, Hail, and Chilly Temperatures to California During Spring Break

On April 5th, a wintry weather system brought unexpected snow, hail, rain, and unusually cold temperatures to California, defying the arrival of spring.

The unseasonable weather brought snow to elevations as low as 1,500 feet in parts of Northern California, with the southern mountain ranges also receiving a fresh coating down to 3,000 feet, as reported by the National Weather Service. The low temperatures and icy conditions disrupted daily activities, prompting some businesses, like LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery in Running Springs, to close.

Impact on Spring Season

This unanticipated cold spell, occurring nearly three weeks into spring, came after a slow start to winter in California, followed by significant storms in February and March. Despite this, the Sierra snowpack, which typically provides about 30% of the state's water, has rebounded, with water content maintaining above-average levels.

Weekend Forecast

Parts of California are projected to experience frosts and freezes during Friday night into Saturday morning, with potential record low temperatures. Following this, the weather will be dry throughout the weekend, although temperatures are expected to remain below normal before rising above normal during the upcoming week.