Lightning — Mariposa, California

2023-09-21 · near Yosemite Natl Park, Mariposa, California

Event narrative

A newspaper article mentioned that two hikers were injured by a lightning strike while taking shelter in a cave near Half Dome.

Wider weather episode

A cold front associated with an upper trough moved through central California on September 21. This system brought cooler temperatures to the area along with a period of increased winds to the area during the afternoon and evening hours. A few thunderstorms popped up ahead of the cold front during the afternoon over the Sierra Nevada. One thunderstorm over Yosemite Park produced a lightning strike which injured two hikers near Half Dome.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.7462, -119.5328)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1129302. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.