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Checking In On The Atmospheric River Coming To SoCal This Week
A snapshot of satellite conditions on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.
(
Courtesy NOAA
)
An atmospheric river looks to be heading straight for Southern California next week, potentially bringing heavy rain, snow and winds to the L.A. region.
The dry weather is in place due to a break in the Pacific Jet stream (upper ridge) but powerful winds across lower latitudes are sitting over the central Pacific with a lot high clouds subtropical moisture ahead of it, and a Santa Ana wind below this in lower levels #socal #cawx pic.twitter.com/6Ft2fCBkdR
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 27, 2024
Before the storm
Temperatures will be quite warm until the middle of next week, with possible record high temperatures in the 70s.
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What we know now
- Steady and constant rain is expected Thursday and Friday and could stretch into next weekend.
- It's likely going to be a cold storm, meaning snow could be falling at Big Bear and other mountainous areas at around 4,500 feet, said National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant. "Looking like it's going to be a colder storm than what we've seen so far this winter, that does mean we are going to see more snow impact from this round of rain," she said.
- Gusty winds are expected from the coast to the desert communities, Oswant said. The heaviest of which are expected on Thursday and Friday.
Rain chances start late Tuesday night into Wednesday starting from north to south, and will be the strongest late Wednesday into Thursday. #CAwx #LArain ☔️ pic.twitter.com/6Hc66KNrqt
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 28, 2024
The models
We’re still a bit far out—the Weather Service says that concrete details, like rain speed and rain total, won't be confirmed until in a day or two.
According to UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, there are clear signs that El Niño is influencing the region's recent weather. The storms could continue into mid-February.
Statewide forecast
The Southland won't be the only area dealing with heavy storm activity. Heavy flooding is expected in British Columbia, Washington state, and even down down in Baja California.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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