HANFORD, Calif. – Thunderstorms could spark across the Sierra Nevada on Thursday, bringing lightning, small hail, and bursts of heavy rain to higher elevations. The National Weather Service in Hanford reports a 10 to 15 percent chance of storm development, primarily in areas above 7,000 feet from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park.
According to the Weather Service, cloud-to-ground lightning remains the primary hazard, with the potential to trigger new wildfires in dry terrain. Gusty, erratic winds and brief downpours could also create dangerous conditions for hikers, campers, and drivers along mountain passes such as Tioga and Mather’s Pass.
Communities in Yosemite Valley, Shaver Lake, and Lake Thomas Edison may see localized storm activity during the afternoon and evening hours. Visitors are urged to move indoors at the first sound of thunder and avoid exposed ridges and open water. Outdoor recreation areas could experience rapidly changing weather, and officials advise travelers to monitor alerts throughout the day.
The storm window is expected to close by late Thursday night, though additional advisories could follow if monsoonal moisture lingers into the weekend.
