Following a brief break in stormy conditions, residents in California are preparing for another round of heavy rainfall as an atmospheric river approaches, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather. While a dry spell has prevailed along the West Coast early this week, a significant weather system is expected to impact Central and Southern California by late Tuesday night through Wednesday.
Meteorologist Jacob Hinson from AccuWeather emphasized the significance of this upcoming atmospheric river, which is set to provide much-needed moisture to areas that have experienced below-average precipitation levels this year. Since October 1 of the previous year, cities like Fresno, California, have only received about 56% of their normal rainfall, while locations further south, including Los Angeles, have seen only 20-30% of their usual rainfall during the same period.
As Arctic air descends from Canada into the Northwest, challenging record low temperatures, the Pacific Northwest may experience mainly dry conditions early in the week. The storm systems are not expected to reach the far northern regions of the West coast until later in the week.
AccuWeather forecasts indicate that cities like Portland, Oregon, could see temperatures dipping into the mid-20s Fahrenheit, significantly lower than typical February lows. RealFeel® Temperatures are projected to plummet into the teens along the Washington and Oregon coastlines, with single-digit RealFeel® readings expected inland from Bend, Oregon, to Nampa, Idaho.
Although initial rain showers may arrive in the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay area by Tuesday, the main deluge of moisture is anticipated to impact the state from late Wednesday night into Thursday. Hinson mentioned that coastal areas from the North Bay Area down to San Diego can expect multiple inches of rainfall, with some local areas receiving up to 2-3 inches of rain through the event duration.
Furthermore, the Sierra region is expected to receive substantial rainfall, with the Foothills seeing 2-4 inches of rain and 6-12 inches of snow along the mountain range. Some areas might even accumulate up to 24 inches of snow, potentially leading to blizzard conditions and travel disruptions along Interstate 80 through Donner Pass.
Additionally, strong winds are likely in mountainous regions and along the coast, reaching speeds of 25-35 mph by Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday. Mariners are advised to exercise caution, particularly along the Northern California coast to Point Conception.
It is advisable to stay informed about the weather conditions and to heed local advisories before embarking on any maritime activities. The risk of flooding is particularly high in the region, not only in areas projected to receive more than 2 inches of rainfall this week but also in regions in Southern California that have recently been affected by devastating fires over the past month.
“While the expected rainfall will bring much-needed relief to regions like the Central Valley and L.A. Basin, it could pose challenges in certain areas. Of particular concern are the burn scar areas, where excessive rainfall might compromise soil stability, potentially leading to landslides or debris flows. Inadequate drainage systems could also result in localized flooding on streets and roads,” expressed Hinson.
Las Vegas has not seen measurable rainfall for over 200 days, dating back to the middle of July 2024. The upcoming weather pattern may break this dry spell, bringing much-awaited precipitation to the region. Parts of southern Nevada are currently experiencing exceptional drought conditions, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. As moisture moves across Southern California and into the desert regions of the Southwest later this week, forecasters predict an increased likelihood of rain or showers reaching Las Vegas.
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