Frost/Freeze — Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

2022-02-24 to 2022-02-25 · Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

Event narrative

Temperatures dropped below the critical threshold of 28 degrees for several days in late February. Several locations in the region reported temperatures as low as 28 degrees during the event with subfreezing conditions lasting for several hours each day. The Stockton airport set new daily minimum temperatures on the 24th and the 25th of February of 27 and 28 degrees respectively. On the 25th the Modesto airport reported a low temperature of 30 degrees tying the record daily minimum temperature. Farmers anticipate damage to their orchards with final damage costs expected to be determined when crops are harvested. Preliminary damage reports in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties reported crop damage to be variable from area to area throughout the orchards.

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 1011217. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.