The Bay Area is no stranger to rain, especially during this time of year. More rainy days might be ahead of us; the NWS predicts that an atmospheric river may be heading for the West bringing heavy rain and high wind to California. The Northern California coast can expect rain to increase starting on January 30, and it will spread south from Jan. 31 until Feb 2. High-elevation areas in the Sierra Nevada can expect heavy snowfall next week as well.
On the bright side, it looks like we will get a few days of partial sun before the rain comes again. Sunday and Monday show mostly sunny with highs in the 60s for San Francisco, so make sure to soak up some warmth before the rain returns.
For updated forecasts and advisories, we recommend checking the NWS website. They also have a Youtube channel that often has explanations for the upcoming forecast.
As always, remember to stay safe during the rainy weather. The NWS recommends allowing extra travel time and increasing the distance between vehicles if you plan to drive in the rain. Plus, winds could knock over branches, so be on the lookout.
What is an atmospheric river?
You might have seen the term ‘atmospheric river’ in the news a lot, and while it might sound mysterious, it’s a common weather pattern. An atmospheric river is a long area of precipitation in the sky, essentially “like rivers in the sky” as the NOAA describes it. They transport vaporized water from the tropics in large amounts, and they can vary greatly in size and intensity. Atmospheric rivers can cause flooding but often provide needed rainfall and snow.
For more information and updated advisories, check the NWS website.