Cold/Wind Chill — Southern Sacramento Valley, California

2023-06-04 · Southern Sacramento Valley, California

Event narrative

A 15-year-old man drowned in the Sacramento River near Sand Cove Park on June 4th, with his body found on June 5th. Strong currents pulled him and 2 others downstream. A bystander in a boat nearby was able to rescue two. Warm weather was occurring with highs of 96 at downtown Sacramento, 94 at Sacramento Executive Airport reported. A Sacramento Fire Department Captain confirmed that high water levels with strong currents and cold water temperatures were observed during search efforts. Water temperatures in the general area at the time measured between 55 and 65 degrees. The cold water and strong currents were due to unusually heavy mountain snowmelt.

Wider weather episode

Melting snow brought unusually strong currents and cold water to area waterways in the month of June.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1106205. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.