Frost/Freeze — Carquinez Strait and Delta, California

2022-02-24 to 2022-02-25 · Carquinez Strait and Delta, California

Event narrative

Temperatures dropped below the critical threshold of 28 degrees for several days in late February. The Delta region saw temperatures as low as 23 degrees during the event with subfreezing conditions lasting for several hours each day. Farmers anticipate total damage to their orchards to be determined when crops are harvested.

Wider weather episode

A cold spell brought subfreezing temperatures to Northern California for several days. Regional agriculture was severely impacted with temperatures dipping below critical thresholds for spring buds, specifically on fruit and nut trees. Blooms were also about 10 days sooner than average leading to greater impacts to farmers. Mitigation efforts were used to save crops, however the Colusa County Agricultural Commissioner reported as many as 5 counties were severely impacted.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1010512. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.