High Wind — Mojave Desert Slope(s), California

2025-04-17 · Mojave Desert Slope(s), California

Event narrative

The Mojave Airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Wider weather episode

Interaction between a deepening upper trough over the Great Basin region and an amplifying upper ridge off the California coast produced a strong northerly flow over central California. The wind mixed down during the afternoon and evening of April 17 resulting in a period of strong wind gusts across portions of the mountains and deserts of Kern County. Several stations measured gusts exceeding 40 mph with a few stations briefly recording gusts near 60 mph. The winds decreased during the early morning of April 18 as the trough shifted slightly eastward.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1234699. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.