What are Atmospheric Rivers?

news image
Special Stories
16 Dec 2018 11:05 AM
The rainy season in the west is in full swing. With multiple storms expected to bring heavy rain and snow into next week, a specific meteorological phenomenon keeps popping up. Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor from the tropics. These columns of moisture move with the weather. They can carry the same amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. When atmospheric rivers fuel a storm system, they can cause heavy rain and snow. Stronger atmospheric rivers create very powerful winds and the threat of flooding. If they stall over vulnerable watersheds, extreme rainfall events can disrupt travel, induce mudslides, and threaten life and property. However, some are much weaker. These systems help provide beneficial rain and snow crucial to the water supply. You may have heard of the "Pineapple Express." It's a common, strong type of atmospheric river the channels water vapor to the U.S. West Coast from the tropics near Hawaii. Credit: NOAA http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/atmrivers/.  
All Weather News
More
Wettest Day in 75 Years for Parts of New York City

Wettest Day in 75 Years for Parts of New York City

Significant flash flooding greatly impacted N

30 Sep 2023 9:55 PM
Snow Falling Across the California Mountains

Snow Falling Across the California Mountains

Snow ForecastIt has been about 2 months since

30 Sep 2023 9:50 PM
Two Named Storms in the Atlantic

Two Named Storms in the Atlantic

Tropical storm Rina formed in the Atlantic Oc

30 Sep 2023 9:45 PM
Next Week: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Next Week: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Happening Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 PM E

30 Sep 2023 9:40 PM
Get Ready for the Next Solar Eclipse!

Get Ready for the Next Solar Eclipse!

Set a reminder in your phone and calendar! Th

30 Sep 2023 9:35 PM
Emergency Declaration Issued for Louisiana Due to Saltwater Intrusion

Emergency Declaration Issued for Louisiana Due to Saltwater Intrusion

The southern tier of the country has been no

30 Sep 2023 9:30 PM
Slushy Snow in Mount Rainier, Washington

Slushy Snow in Mount Rainier, Washington

An upper-level low is bringing much-needed ra

28 Sep 2023 5:10 PM