Atmospheric River to Impact Washington, Oregon, and Northern California Next Week With Heavy Rainfall and Mountain Snow Across the West
WEST COAST — A developing storm pattern will send an atmospheric river into Washington and Oregon late this weekend, bringing widespread rainfall before the system slides south into Northern California by midweek. Forecast models show the potential for multiple rounds of significant precipitation, along with periods of high-elevation snow as Christmas week approaches.
Rain Decreases Briefly Before a New System Arrives
Forecasters note that rainfall will taper across the Pacific Northwest through Friday and Saturday, providing a short break for many areas. Conditions will remain mostly dry until rain chances increase again on Sunday, signaling the arrival of the next major system.
This new atmospheric river is expected to impact the PNW late Sunday into early next week, marking the start of an active and wet period for the region.
Heavy Rainfall Likely Along the Washington and Oregon Coastlines
Model guidance highlights several zones of significant rainfall across the Northwest:
Port Angeles: 3.5 to 4.5 inches
Shelton: 5 to 6 inches
Seattle: 3.5 to 4.5 inches
Bellingham: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Portland: 3.5 to 4.5 inches
Brookings: 5 to 6 inches
Eureka: 4 to 5 inches
Interior regions will also see measurable rainfall, though totals decrease farther east. Cities such as Spokane are expected to receive 0.75 to 1.25 inches, while Bend may see 1 to 1.5 inches.
Forecasters emphasize that this new system will be weaker than the atmospheric river observed earlier in the week, but still capable of producing substantial rainfall and travel impacts.
System Slides Into Northern California by Midweek
By Tuesday into Wednesday, the atmospheric river will shift southward into Northern California, bringing rainfall to areas including Eureka, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
Rainfall projections include:
Lake Tahoe: 2.75 to 3.75 inches
Sacramento: 0.5 to 1 inch
San Francisco: 0.5 to 1 inch
Snow levels are expected to remain high through Tuesday, before falling Tuesday night into the end of next week. This may lead to significant mountain snow, especially across the Sierra Nevada.
Another Atmospheric River Possible Late Next Week
Meteorologists warn that a second atmospheric river may impact the West Coast late next week, sliding south along California and potentially affecting parts of the Southwest.
This suggests that Christmas week will remain active, with additional rounds of rain and mountain snow possible.
Residents across Washington, Oregon, and California noticing early signs of changing weather or preparing for the incoming precipitation are encouraged to share their updates with the community at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
