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

    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.

  • Multi-model forecasts indicate increased atmospheric river activity and transition from West Coast Ridge to Pacific Ridge in late December

    Subseasonal forecasts by CW3E show strong multi-model agreement on above-normal atmospheric river activity across the U.S. West Coast during mid- to late December, with the strongest signals over Northern California. Forecast regime tools indicate a transition from a West Coast Ridge to a Pacific Ridge during this period, altering temperature and precipitation patterns across the region.