Thunderstorms could hit parts of Northern California on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected over the Sierra Nevada summit from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, the agency said in a Thursday morning post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Storms will likely occur south of Highway 50, the post said.
“These storms are most likely to occur in southeast Tuolumne County,” said Kate Forrest, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
She added that Bear Valley and Cold Springs have a 15 percent chance of thunderstorms Thursday night.
Possible hazards include lightning, gusty winds, short periods of heavy rain and small hail, the weather service said.
There is also the potential for a fire to start.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected over the Sierra crest this afternoon and evening, mainly south of HWY 50. Impacts will include:
️Lightning
️Strong winds
️Heavy and brief rain
️Small hail
Potential for fire to startIf there is no building nearby, get in a vehicle! #cawx pic.twitter.com/LsK4dqtvkx
– NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) June 13, 2024
Are thunderstorms normal this time of year?
It’s very normal to see thunderstorms during summer in the region, Forrest said.
“In the summer, thunderstorms typically occur in the afternoon when the sun warms the air near the ground,” the weather service said. “If the atmosphere is unstable, bubbles of hot air will rise and produce clouds, precipitation and, eventually, lightning.”
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