West Coast Will Experience Showers, Cooler Temperatures as the Spring Weather Pattern Returns

Coastal Virginia residents are assessing damage and cleaning up Monday after an EF-3 tornado struck the area on Sunday, affecting more than 100 homes and businesses.

There have been no reported injuries.

A tornado touched down in Virginia Beach on Sunday, about three hours after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area.

It came a day after an EF-2 tornado hit Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, causing damage to homes, flipping vehicles, and snapping trees.

A New Weather Pattern Brings Changes

(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)

After a long period of dry and warm conditions, the West Coast is finally seeing some relief from the drought and fire danger.

A new weather pattern is expected to bring a noticeable change in conditions this week, with cooler temperatures and rain and snow in some areas.

According to AccuWeather, a series of storm systems will move across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, bringing periods of rain and mountain snow.

The first system arrived on Monday, followed by another one on Tuesday.

The third and strongest system will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the heaviest precipitation and the lowest snow levels.

The rain and snow will help to ease the drought conditions that have been plaguing the region for months.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 95% of the West Coast is experiencing some level of drought, with more than 50% in extreme or exceptional drought.

The precipitation will also help to reduce the fire danger, which has been very high due to the dry vegetation and strong winds.

Also read: Drought, Heatwaves Aggravate West Coast Air Pollution Inequality [Study]

How Will the Weather Affect You?

The cool and wet weather will have different impacts depending on where you live.

Here are some of the effects you can expect:

If you live in the Pacific Northwest or Northern California, you will likely see rain and snow this week.

The rain could be heavy at times, especially along the coast and in the lower elevations, as per Koala Weather.

The snow could accumulate several inches in the higher elevations, especially above 4,000 feet. You should be prepared for slippery roads, reduced visibility, and possible travel delays.

You should also watch out for possible flooding, mudslides, and rockslides in areas that have been burned by wildfires.

If you live in Southern California or Arizona, you will likely see cooler temperatures and cloudy skies this week.

You may also see some light rain or drizzle on Wednesday and Thursday, but not enough to make a significant dent in the drought.

You should enjoy the break from the heat and dryness, but don't expect much relief from the water shortages or fire danger.

If you live in other parts of the West Coast, such as Nevada or Utah, you will likely see little change in your weather this week.

You may see some clouds and breezy conditions, but not much precipitation or temperature variation. You should continue to conserve water and be careful with fire sources.

The cool and wet weather pattern is expected to last until Friday, when a ridge of high pressure will build over the region again. This will bring back warmer and drier conditions for the weekend and early next week.