Two successive atmospheric river pulses are affecting the Pacific Northwest this week, delivering multi-day heavy rainfall and flooding risk across western Washington and northwestern Oregon. The first made landfall early December 9, and a stronger second pulse is forecast to arrive late December 9–early December 10, maintaining high integrated vapor transport and major flood potential through December 11.
Flood watches and warnings were issued across western Oregon and Washington on December 7, 2025, valid through December 12, as strong atmospheric river produces sustained rainfall, rising river levels and increasing landslide risk.
A major atmospheric river (AR4–AR5 possible) is forecast to make landfall over the Pacific Northwest early Monday, December 8, 2025, and persist through Wednesday, December 10, bringing multiple days of heavy rain and elevated snow levels. Ensemble guidance shows ~70–80% of members reaching at least AR4 in southern coastal Washington, with ~20–30% indicating AR5, raising the risk of widespread riverine flooding.
Two atmospheric rivers are forecast to affect the Pacific Northwest between October 28 and November 2, 2025, bringing periods of heavy rainfall to western Washington and northern Oregon. The first system is expected to reach AR1 strength, while the second could intensify to AR3 or AR4 as it moves inland later in the week. Hydrologic models indicate notable river rises but no significant flooding at this time.
An atmospheric river (AR) is expected to reach the Pacific Northwest (PNW) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing heavy rain and elevated freezing levels above 2 400 m (8 000 feet) before lowering as the system moves east. 25–100 mm (1–4 inches) of rainfall is forecast over coastal Washington and Oregon, with orographic enhancement expected on the Olympic Peninsula and Northern Cascades.
A series of atmospheric rivers (AR) is forecast to hit the U.S. West Coast from late September through early October, beginning with a strong AR that made landfall over British Columbia on September 26, 2025. Forecasts show moderate AR conditions in Washington, Oregon, and northern California on September 28, followed by a stronger system making landfall on September 30 and potentially continuing into October 7.
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit off the coast of Oregon at 06:45 UTC on September 26, 2025 (23:45 local time, September 25). The USGS is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.8 hit off the coast of Oregon at 04:08 UTC on September 9, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 13.8 km (8.6 miles).
Cram Fire has scorched 39 540 ha (97 700 acres) since igniting on July 13, 2025, near Willowdale, Jefferson County, Oregon, and is currently the largest active wildfire in the U.S.
A fast-moving wildfire burned 1 400 ha (3 500 acres) near The Dalles, Oregon, on June 11 and 12, 2025, destroying at least 20 homes. Strong winds and dry conditions kept the fire 0% contained, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
