Severe storms and warming disrupt ski season; Mammoth Mountain tops news as California’s snow and flood patterns bite. Classic lava dome, ski hub.
Recent reports show a severe decline in snow conditions across North America and Europe, driven by record warmth and low snowfall. Resorts in California, Utah, and Scotland have faced early closures or poor conditions, highlighting climate change's impact on winter sports and the variability of spring skiing.
Recent storms have temporarily increased snowpack in California, but overall snow levels remain critically low. The Sierra snowpack has been well below average, threatening water supplies and increasing wildfire risks. Experts warn that drought conditions will persist despite short-term snowfalls, impacting agriculture, cities, and ecosystems.
A series of severe weather events has impacted the US, with tornadoes damaging homes in Oklahoma and rare tornadoes occurring in California. Midwest states face ongoing thunderstorms, flooding, and lightning, with authorities warning that these conditions will persist into the weekend and more storms will develop.