The weather on the West Coast has been changing lately, with a new pattern of cool and wet conditions expected to last for several days.
Here are some of the latest updates on the weather situation in the region.
Rain and Snow in the Western US
According to The Weather Channel Maps, a West Coast Doppler Radar shows current rain and snow in the Western US.
The forecast surface maps also indicated that storm systems, cold and warm fronts, and rain and snow areas will affect the region in the next 48 hours.
Some areas may experience severe weather, such as thunderstorms, hail, or strong winds.
The 24-hour precipitation estimate map shows that some parts of the West Coast may receive more than an inch of rain or snow, as per LAist.
Cool Temperatures and Cloudy Skies
The weather on the West Coast is also expected to be cooler than usual, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C in the next 14 days, according to Koala Weather.
The real feel temperatures may be lower due to the wind chill factor.
The skies will be mostly cloudy, with some sunny intervals in between.
The humidity levels will be high, especially during the rainy periods. The atmospheric pressure will vary from 1001hPa to 1029hPa.
Also Read: Drought, Heatwaves Aggravate West Coast Air Pollution Inequality [Study]
A Noticeable Change in Conditions
The cool and wet weather on the West Coast is a noticeable change from the previous weeks when the region experienced dry and warm conditions.
According to AccuWeather, this change is due to a shift in the jet stream, which is bringing cooler air and moisture from the Pacific Ocean.
This weather pattern is expected to last until at least next weekend, bringing some relief to the drought-stricken areas of California and Oregon.
However, it may also cause some travel disruptions, flooding risks, and power outages.
Snow levels are expected to fall across Central and Southern California during the middle to end of the week, allowing for some slushy snow accumulations in the Sierra Nevada's highest elevations.
Meanwhile, temperatures will soar well above historical averages across the Intermountain West, away from the storm's influence on the West Coast.
High temperatures in Boise, Idaho, are expected to return to the mid-80s by Wednesday, while afternoon temperatures in Spokane, Washington, are expected to be around 80 degrees, just a couple of degrees shy of the daily high-temperature records.
Ahead of that, Spokane is expected to set a new record high of 84 today, breaking the previous record of 82 set in 1937.
Temperatures in Salt Lake City are expected to reach the upper 70s through midweek, remaining about 10 degrees higher than the historical average for early May.
Stay Informed and Prepared
If you live in or plan to visit the West Coast, it is important to stay informed and prepared for the changing weather conditions.
You can check the latest forecasts, warnings, and advisories from your local weather service or online sources.
You can also take some precautions to protect yourself and your property from the potential impacts of rain and snow. For example, you can:
- Dress warmly and wear layers of clothing
- Carry an umbrella or a raincoat
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads
- Clear your gutters and drains
- Check your roof for leaks
- Have an emergency kit ready
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