Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Late-Season Storm Soaks Northern California With Up to 1 Inch, Drops Sierra Snow
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 28

Late-Season Storm Soaks Northern California With Up to 1 Inch, Drops Sierra Snow

9 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 28
  • A late-May storm delivered widespread precipitation across Northern California on Thursday, with many areas logging a quarter-inch to 1 inch of rain and higher Sierra elevations picking up snow.
  • San Francisco's rain was unusual for the season, National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said, noting April is typically when the region's wet pattern starts to shut down.
  • The moisture briefly lowered wildfire danger by wetting vegetation that had been drying out, and a U.S. Forest Service fire meteorologist said it should help prevent large destructive fires in coming days.
  • That reprieve is expected to be short-lived: forecasters see warm, dry weather returning next week, which should quickly dry fuels again after the storm moves through.
This week's rain seems like good news, but why do experts warn it could precede an exceptionally dangerous wildfire season?
California's reservoirs are full, yet a 'warm snow drought' threatens the state's water supply. How can both of these be true?
As California invests billions in wildfire defense, why is the state's home insurance market collapsing for many residents?