The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing a powerful atmospheric river, impacting northern California with significant cold temperatures and a forecast for heavy rain and mountain snow. Meteorologists have classified this event as one of the strongest storms of the season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a freeze warning for several regions, including the Sacramento Valley and the northern San Joaquin Valley, due to expected low temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. This warning is particularly critical for pets, plants, and individuals without adequate heating.
According to NWS meteorologist Nathan Rick, temperatures are approximately 10 degrees below average for this time of year, marking the first significant drop for the fall/winter season. The freeze warning is expected to remain in effect until 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
In addition to the freeze warning, a winter storm warning, high wind warning, and flood watch have been issued throughout California as the atmospheric river continues to advance. This meteorological phenomenon, described by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a narrow corridor of moisture, plays a significant role in transporting water vapor and can lead to both beneficial precipitation and hazardous flooding.
As this storm system progresses, meteorologists predict a sustained period of precipitation from midday Tuesday through the weekend, with temperatures expected to remain low. The potential for flooding and landslides is a concern, despite atmospheric rivers also providing relief from drought conditions.