A volatile weather system is set to impact the Northwest U.S. in the coming days, according to AccuWeather experts. An atmospheric river carrying moisture is moving into Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana, bringing heavy rain and snow. This onslaught of inclement weather is expected to continue through the early part of the week, with a second storm exacerbating conditions. Communities along the coast have already experienced significant rainfall, and more is on the way as the storms progress.
The Pacific Northwest is facing a relentless series of storms, with rainfall totals expected to reach 3-8 inches in lower areas and over 16 inches in mountainous regions. The combination of heavy rain and melting snow poses a heightened risk of river flooding. In addition, there is a significant threat of avalanches in the Washington Cascades due to the saturated and unstable snowpack.
As the next storm approaches on Monday, more snowfall is expected, especially in the Cascade Range. A weather phenomenon known as a ‘sting jet’ could occur, bringing intense winds and potential damage along the coast and inland areas. Residents are advised to stay alert and take precautions in the face of these extreme weather conditions.
“Wind gusts of around 40-60 mph,” mentioned Hinson. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ predicts peak wind gusts up to 100 mph. Hinson also noted that the highest gusts are likely to occur along the border of Washington and Oregon, where a potential sting jet could further intensify the winds. Wind-related damage, including power outages and fallen trees, is expected during this event, primarily until Tuesday morning.
As Tuesday progresses, the stormy conditions in the Northwest are anticipated to diminish. The gusty winds will subside, and the rain will stop across the region, resulting in predominantly dry conditions for the remainder of the workweek.
Heading south, from Southern California to New Mexico, the residents will experience a contrasting weather pattern this week. Temperatures are set to increase across the Four Corners and Desert Southwest, with some areas projected to surpass the 90-degree Fahrenheit mark for the first time this year. Cities like Phoenix may reach 90°F, especially by midweek. The closest they have come so far this month was 86°F in the initial week.
A few locations could even match or exceed their daily temperature records, particularly by Wednesday. For enhanced safety and an ad-free experience, consider subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app for advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts. AccuWeather Alerts™ are initiated by expert meteorologists who continuously monitor and analyze hazardous weather conditions round the clock to ensure the safety of you and your family.
