High Wind — South End of the Lower Sierra, California

2022-05-10 · South End of the Lower Sierra, California

Event narrative

The Bird Springs Pass RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving upper trough moved across the region between May 8 and May 11. This system resulted in a period of unseasonably cool temperatures across the area along with a some light showers mainly over the Sierra Nevada on May 9 and 10. This system also produced a strong onshore pressure gradient which resulted in a period of breezy to windy conditions across the mountains and deserts of Kern County between the morning of May 10 and the evening of May 11. Several stations measured gusts exceeding 45 mph during this time frame. The trough finally moved east of the area by the morning of May 12 allowing for the winds to subside.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1013772. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.