500+ mm of rain possible in California as next atmospheric rivers arrive

Recent atmospheric rivers have brought widespread flooding to British Columbia, with persistent heavy rain sweeping the region.

The next strong atmospheric rivers heading toward the West Coast will remain south of the border, and they’re expected to produce some serious rainfall.

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Active storm track continues on West Coast

A strong jet stream has brought waves of storms and heavy rains to southwestern British Columbia in recent weeks, ultimately causing widespread flooding throughout the Fraser and Sumas river valleys.

While forecasters are still expecting significant amounts of low-elevation rain and mountain snow to hit southern British Columbia from this weekend into next week, the most active weather will eventually cross the international border as the jet stream tilts south.

California expected to see flooding and rain next week

A series of low-pressure systems will feed a powerful atmospheric river known as the Pineapple Express to the California coast next week.

A large amount of moisture blowing directly from the Hawaiian Islands will allow significant amounts of heavy rain to engulf the northern half of California next week.

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Significant rainfall is expected in the Sierra Nevada, with lifting forces likely helping to produce over 500 mm of rainfall in some areas. Flooding, mudslides and rockslides are possible as heavy rains flood the area.

Significant amounts of rainfall are also expected at lower elevations.

Sacramento is expected to receive up to 175 millimeters of rainfall, equivalent to about 40% of the city’s average annual rainfall. San Francisco could see an entire December’s worth of rain in just a few days.

Heavy rains like these are an important part of the water cycle in this part of the world, as they replenish the region’s waterways to survive the dry months. However, high-elevation snowpack would be ideal for storing water before the next wildfire season.

The good news is that California as a whole is out of drought this month for the first time since July 2024.

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