• Weak La Niña supports wet north-dry south pattern across the western U.S. through March 2026

    ByTeo Blašković

    Experimental seasonal forecasts from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) suggest that a weak La Niña is reinforcing a wet–north, dry–south precipitation pattern across the western United States during January–March 2026. The outlook shows high-confidence signals for below-normal precipitation in Southern California, while model uncertainty remains higher across central and northern California.

  • Two winter storms forecast to bring heavy mountain snow and rain to the Pacific Northwest

    ByRishav Kothari

    Two frontal systems are forecast to bring widespread precipitation and heavy mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest between Tuesday and Thursday, January 6 and 8, 2026. The first, associated with a weakening atmospheric river, will bring rainfall to the region on Tuesday, followed by a second, stronger system on Wednesday and Thursday, January 7–8. Snowfall totals of 30–120 cm (12–48 inches) are expected across the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, with locally higher amounts above 1 500 m (5 000 feet).

  • 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.

  • High wind warnings and watches issued for parts of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon

    ByRishav Kothari

    The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple high wind warnings and watches across the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies on Monday, December 15, 2025, as a strong surface low-pressure system moved into the region. The alerts cover parts of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon, December 17, with sustained winds of 40–70 km/h (25–45 mph) and gusts exceeding 110 km/h (70 mph) forecast in exposed and mountainous areas.

  • Leavenworth Christmastown festival cancelled as historic flooding and power disruptions hit Washington, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    The Leavenworth Christmastown festival was cancelled after historic Washington floods triggered widespread power outages across Chelan County. Over 5 000 customers across the county, accounting for more than 11 000 people, were left without power due to the impacts of a major atmospheric river (AR). Power is expected to be restored for most customers by the evening of December 13, 2025, while debris cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to continue until next weekend.