Forecasters are predicting significant rainfall from a pair of storms that could reach up to 8 inches in lower areas and up to 16 inches in mountain regions. This heavy precipitation poses a risk of flooding as earlier snowmelt adds to the runoff. AccuWeather meteorologist Jacob Hinson noted that the Pacific Northwest is experiencing relentless weather conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about high waves and strong currents along the coast from Washington to northern California. In Oregon, a daily rainfall record was broken in Salem, with 1.04 inches of rain falling in a single day. The approaching storms are expected to bring massive waves, with surf heights forecasted to reach up to 27 feet or more in some areas.
Avalanches are a concern in Washington’s Cascades due to heavy rain saturating lower-area slopes weakly packed with snowfall. The risk of slides is heightened as additional snow accumulates on top of the already soaked ground. Hiking is discouraged in certain areas due to the hazardous conditions.
The storm system is also expected to bring strong wind gusts of 60 to 80 miles per hour along the Pacific Coast and inland locations. Seattle could experience gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour. Additionally, there is a possibility of a “sting jet” phenomenon developing, which could cause extensive wind damage in the Washington-Oregon border area.
Once the storm passes, the Pacific Northwest should see dry conditions towards the end of the week. Meanwhile, the U.S. Southwest may experience record temperatures as the region copes with its own weather patterns.
Experiencing the opposite extreme as temperatures rise in the Four Corners and desert areas. Cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles may surpass 90 degrees for the first time in 2025, with some places hitting or breaking record highs by midweek. This article was first published in USA TODAY: Pacific Northwest to receive more rain in two days than the entire month of February.
