Hanford, California – Monsoonal moisture streaming into Central California could ignite dry thunderstorms along the Sierra Nevada crest starting Friday, increasing the threat of wildfires across national parks and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, isolated thunderstorms are likely Friday, August 22, especially near Yosemite, Sequoia, and Mammoth Lakes. With low relative humidity and high temperatures, these storms could produce little rainfall but spark dry lightning—an ideal setup for new fire starts.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk for thunderstorms across the Sierra spine, while the Fire Weather Outlook includes an elevated fire danger for areas stretching from Bishop to Yosemite and into Sequoia National Park.
Local agencies are urging residents and visitors to avoid outdoor burns, stay off backcountry trails during active storms, and have evacuation plans ready. Lightning without rain can ignite grasses and timber in remote terrain, making fire suppression more difficult.
This weather pattern is expected to linger through the weekend. Additional advisories could be issued if storm coverage increases or conditions worsen.
