I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

  • Above-normal atmospheric river activity forecast for Northern and Central California in late December

    ByRishav Kothari

    The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at UC San Diego forecasts above-normal precipitation for Northern and Central California between late December 2025 and early January 2026. The latest subseasonal outlook, issued on December 16, indicates high confidence in enhanced atmospheric river (AR) activity and persistent Pacific Ridge conditions during the period from December 22 to January 11, 2026.

  • Weak La Niña to end as ocean warming signals new El Niño phase in 2026

    ByRishav Kothari

    Forecast models suggest that El Niño conditions are likely to develop during 2026, marking a shift from the ongoing weak La Niña. The transition is expected to influence jet stream patterns and temperature anomalies across the United States, Canada, and Europe, potentially reshaping rainfall distribution and winter storm activity in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Strong Alberta Clipper to bring up to 40 cm (16 inches) of snow and flash freeze across northern Ontario, Canada

    ByRishav Kothari

    A strong Alberta Clipper storm will move through northern Ontario on Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, 2025, dropping 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) of snow, gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph), and a sharp temperature drop. The system will create blowing snow and flash-freeze conditions on major highways, including routes between Kenora and Thunder Bay.

  • High Wind Warnings issued for the Rockies, Plains, and Pacific Northwest, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    High Wind Warnings have been issued across much of the western and central United States, effective from early Wednesday, December 17, 2025, through Thursday morning, December 18. Forecasts indicate a rapidly deepening low-pressure system developing east of the Canadian Rockies, producing winds of over 130 km/h (80 mph) in some areas. Power outages, tree damage, and hazardous travel conditions are expected from the Intermountain West to the Great Plains.

  • Back-to-back atmospheric rivers forecast to impact the U.S. West Coast through December 20

    ByRishav Kothari

    Two atmospheric rivers are forecast to bring prolonged heavy rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and northern California through December 20, 2025. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) forecasts 100–150 mm (4–6 inches) of precipitation across western Washington and 100–200 mm (4–8 inches) across western Oregon, with locally higher totals in the Cascades and coastal ranges.