Fresno, CA — The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada, warning that dangerous wind chills and subfreezing temperatures will impact areas above 9,000 feet through Thursday morning.
Cold Advisory in Effect for Sierra Nevada Peaks
An unusually harsh early-winter system is gripping the Sierra high country, prompting weather officials to alert anyone visiting or traveling near Yosemite National Park (outside the valley), Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and the Upper San Joaquin River region. According to the National Weather Service, “wind chills could drop to around 10 degrees below zero,” creating hazardous conditions overnight and into Thursday morning.
The advisory includes well-known high-elevation locations such as Huntington Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Florence Lake, and Shaver Lake, all of which are expected to see extreme cold intensified by steady winds.
What’s Driving the Dangerous Cold
A persistent cold air mass over the Sierra Nevada is combining with elevated ridge-top winds to produce conditions far colder than typical for early December. Forecasters note that the combination of altitude, fresh snow cover, and overnight radiational cooling will allow temperatures to plunge quickly after sunset.
Meteorologists warn that “prolonged exposure could quickly lead to frostbite or hypothermia,” underscoring the seriousness of the advisory for hikers, climbers, and backcountry campers.
Areas at Highest Risk
The advisory specifically targets elevations above 9,000 feet, where exposure to wind is greatest and temperatures fall most rapidly. Snow-covered terrain and remote access routes make the risk even higher for anyone caught unprepared.
Impacted regions include:
- Yosemite National Park (outside Yosemite Valley)
- Kings Canyon
- Sequoia National Park
- Upper San Joaquin River region
- Huntington Lake
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Florence Lake
- Shaver Lake
These locations may experience cold intense enough to cause visible frost formation and icy surfaces by early morning.
Safety Guidance for Outdoor Visitors
The National Weather Service urges anyone heading into the mountains to take immediate precautions. Officials recommend:
- Wearing multiple layers, including insulated jackets and thermal gear
- Covering hands, ears, and face to reduce frostbite risk
- Limiting time outdoors and avoiding unnecessary exposure
- Bringing pets and livestock into sheltered areas
- Carrying emergency warming supplies if traveling into backcountry areas
Forecasters emphasize that even brief exposure at high elevations can be dangerous, with one advisory noting “conditions may become life-threatening for those not properly prepared.”
When Conditions Will Improve
Temperatures are expected to slowly rise Thursday afternoon as winds ease and cloud cover shifts. However, subfreezing conditions may linger across the upper elevations through the end of the week, especially during overnight hours.
Conclusion
With wind chills dipping to “around 10 degrees below zero,” Yosemite, Sequoia, and surrounding Sierra regions above 9,000 feet are facing hazardous cold through Thursday morning. Anyone planning outdoor activities in these areas should take extreme caution, dress appropriately, and stay alert for updated weather guidance.
Share Your Experience
How cold is it in your area today? If you’re near the Sierra or traveling into the mountains, share what conditions are like where you are in the comments.
