Storms expected to continue in Western California this week, but a change in trend is in sight

A near-relentless wet regime has soaked California and the West for weeks, but relief from the storm is finally on the horizon. In the meantime, AccuWeather meteorologists are warning Californians and Westerners not to pack away their rain gear just yet.

“Wet weather is expected to continue across much of the coast and Northern California through Monday evening as a series of storms continue to pummel the state,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kai Kerkow said.

Beyond Monday, the storm’s track is expected to shift north, bringing more rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest. Eventually, a large enough area of ​​high pressure will form to the west and help completely turn off the spigot for most through mid-January.

More rain and snow in the mountains in California earlier this week

After only a brief break between Christmas and New Years, the Golden State is in a soggy state. AccuWeather forecasters say showers and snow in higher elevations will continue through Monday evening.

“Rain may be heavy at times in central and northern California through Monday evening,” Kerkow said. “This will bring a risk of flooding in the mountains as well as urban and poorly drained areas.”

Rainfall totals of more than 1 inch will be most common from the Central Coast to northern parts of the state, where amounts of 2 to 4 inches or more are expected, and localized flooding will be common through Monday evening.

To say California has been waterlogged so far this rainy season may be an understatement.

Although the period from October 1 to mid-November was mostly dry, since October 14, downtown Los Angeles received nearly 14 inches of rain through January 3 (343% of the historical average), while San Diego is at 232% of average. Even areas that typically receive more rain during this period, including San Francisco, also see above-average totals (128% of average).

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In higher elevations, snow has proven a boon for ski resorts but a disadvantage for travelers. According to Kerkow, white matter will continue to accumulate at the start of the week. “Several meters of fresh powder will fall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains through Monday evening,” he said. “This will have a significant impact on mountain passes, particularly along Interstate 80.”

The heaviest accumulations will be above 6,000 feet in the northern Sierra Nevada.

Focus on rain and snow will shift north through midweek

A prolonged break in precipitation, not seen in California since mid-December, is expected to begin later in the week, according to AccuWeather forecasts.

“By mid to late week, the storm’s track will begin to shift north, bringing drier weather to much of the state and a break in wet weather,” Kerkow said.

The change in configuration will be driven by the formation of an anticyclonic ridge which will be particularly felt during the second half of the week. While parts of Northern California may have to deal with rain and snow at higher elevations Tuesday and Wednesday, the Bay Area to the south will dry out massively.

This drier weather will not be afforded to the Northwest, as inland Washington and Oregon in the northern portions of the Rockies will face storms for a few more days.

Since the beginning of November, Seattle and Portland have also experienced above-average precipitation, with rain gauges reporting measurable precipitation on more days than previously. There was also historic and deadly flooding in December in parts of western Washington due to multiple atmospheric river events.

Although this week’s rains are not expected to cause widespread flooding, there may be instances of localized ponding, flooding of small streams and coastal flooding. Additionally, colder air arriving midweek may also lower snow levels, so flakes could fly into some Cascade foothills and perhaps around 1,000 feet above sea level around Seattle.

The Washington Cascades in particular can expect several feet of snow which could lead to travel restrictions or road closures on U.S. Highway 2 and Interstate 90. The Oregon Cascades will also have a foot or two, which could make travel difficult in Willamette Pass.

By the second full week of January and beyond, the situation could change enough that even the majority of the Pacific Northwest could enjoy prolonged dry weather.

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