Atmospheric River 'Pineapple Express' Bringing Heavy Rainfall and Snow to Northern California and Pacific Northwest
Northern California and the Pacific Northwest are set to experience heavy rainfall and snow from an “atmospheric river,” also known as the “Pineapple Express.” Forecast models predict over 6 inches of rainfall in some areas and feet of snow in extreme northern Sierra Nevada into the Cascades.
Key Points
- Atmospheric rivers, also known as the “Pineapple Express,” transport large amounts of water vapor from the tropics.
- Atmospheric rivers can vary in size and intensity, carrying a volume comparable to the flow of the Mississippi River at its mouth.
Pros
- Forecast models predict the possibility of over 6 inches of rainfall in some areas.
- Feet of snow are expected in extreme northern Sierra Nevada into the Cascades.
Cons
- Snowfall for portions of Northern California is expected to be somewhat limited.