Atmospheric River Predictions as Storms To Bombard West Coast

Sodden communities along the West Coast should brace for more wet weather with heavy rain due to start on Wednesday—and an "atmospheric river" set to hit next week, forecasters have warned.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center said that from Wednesday, a "robust plume of moisture will move over California ahead of a front moving onshore late Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. The moisture will create heavy rain over California...The associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and burn scars the most vulnerable."

But things are due to get worse from next week as the National Weather Service (NWS) made a longer-range prediction on Monday. The agency said California and the Southwest are at "high risk (greater than 60 percent chance) of hazardous, heavy precipitation" which could spark localized flooding or landslides from Tuesday, February 6, to February 10.

The weather this year has dominated the headlines, as extreme events rocked the country. While some states, such as Illinois, saw flooded homes and submerged cars, other parts of the U.S., such as Texas, suffered from extreme heat. Experts fear that climate change will make extreme weather patterns worse. Many believe that more thunderstorms and floods are likely, as well as tornadoes, hurricanes, and droughts.

Just one month into 2024, the pattern looks set to continue.

Forecasters said an atmospheric river was responsible for the conditions that are currently on the way and due to kick off next week. An atmospheric river is a relatively long, narrow strip of water vapor, that effectively forms "rivers in the sky," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The National Weather Service posted a warning on social media site X (formerly Twitter) to share details about the heavy rains and high winds en route to make landfall within days.

"An impactful atmospheric river event for southern portions of the West [is due] next week, bringing heavy rain and high winds to California and the Southwest, along with heavy snow at higher elevations," the agency said.

The heavy precipitation could lead to "localized flooding and landslides, particularly in regions that have recently received heavy rains."

The agency added that there is a "moderate risk (40-60 percent chance) of high winds...which could lead to coastal erosion from persistently high waves."

Residents should monitor their local weather reports frequently, the agency added, and be mindful that their travel plans may be affected by the conditions.