Strong Wind and Frost and Freeze in California, October 9 to 12, 2008

After the trough that remained over the region on the 4th and 5th of the month was replaced by high pressure, temperatures warmed back to near to slightly above normal from the 6th until the 8th before another low pressure system approached central California by the 9th. This time there was no precipitation associated with this low pressure; the effects were mainly below normal temperatures for the next four days with the warmest highs only in the mid 60s to near 70 that occurred in the valley.

From the 9th until the 11th there were several weather stations in the mountain passes, canyons, and deserts that recorded gusty winds up to 55 mph due to the passage of the low pressure system.

These strong winds produced areas of blowing dust at times across much of the San Joaquin valley. This condition prompted local environmental health experts to issue warnings of the effects of blowing dust and reduced air quality. Strong winds caused minor property damage in Hanford, where a tree branch was blown down and blocked a roadway intersection. Winds in the San Joaquin Valley gusted to 40-45 mph at times.

On the morning of the 11th temperatures reached to around freezing in several locations throughout the San Joaquin Valley; this was the first day for a frost advisory during the fall 2008 growing season.