föhn winds in California

Föhn winds in California are warm, dry air currents that occur when moist air from the Pacific Ocean is forced over mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada. As the air rises, it cools and loses moisture as precipitation on the windward side. When the remaining air descends on the leeward side, it warms up and dries out, causing temperatures to rise and humidity to drop abruptly. This phenomenon can lead to sudden warm, dry conditions, often contributing to wildfires and impacting weather in regions such as Northern California and the Sierra Nevada.