In February, the John Muir Trail, spanning across the Sierra Nevada, experiences a varied weather pattern. Throughout the month, temperatures fluctuate significantly, with daytime highs occasionally reaching above 10°C and night temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Precipitation is sporadic, with occasional moderate to heavy snow showers, thunderstorms, and rain affecting different parts of the trail. Overcast and cloudy days break with stretches of sunshine, while freezing rain punctuates certain periods, contributing to the trail's challenging winter conditions. Wind, though notable at times, does not dominate the weather patterns, allowing the focus to remain on temperature and precipitation variations.
The Sierra Nevada region witnesses fluctuating temperatures during February, with daily highs ranging from mild values like 14°C to more frigid extremes such as -11°C. Lows often dip below freezing, with the most severe reaching -20°C. Early in the month, the weather alternates between sunlit days and periods of significant cloud cover, with sporadic snow showers contributing to the changing landscape.
Mid-month, there’s a continued pattern of light to moderate snow and rain. Notable snow events include heavy showers that lay down substantial precipitation, occasionally accompanied by thunder at locations like Guitar Lake and the Whitney Zone. Despite these challenges, sunny breaks persist, offering a reprieve from the harsh winter conditions.
Toward the end of the period, the trail's weather stabilizes somewhat, with clearer skies becoming more frequent. Highs move into the slightly warmer range of 17°C, especially at places like Whitney Portal, while lows find a consistent range above freezing on fortunate days. Precipitation remains sporadic, with several days void of any notable snowfall or rain, allowing sunny days to dominate the scene.
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