A powerful Category 2 atmospheric river is currently sweeping across California, with the potential to unleash severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, in the state's Central Valley region. Cities like Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and Roseville are on high alert as the storm system threatens to bring disruptive weather conditions. The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes has issued warnings about the imminent risks posed by this intense atmospheric river.
The forecasted rainfall amounts are significant, with the National Weather Service predicting between two to five inches (5.1 cm to 12.7 cm) of rain in various parts of California by Wednesday morning. Areas in the mountains could see even higher accumulations of up to 8 inches, while elevations above 7,500 feet might experience as much as three feet of snow. This deluge of precipitation raises concerns about potential flooding across the state.
Moreover, the US Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the risk of isolated tornadoes in the Central Valley during Monday afternoon and night. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe. In addition to the tornado threat, flood warnings are in effect across the Central Valley and other coastal areas. High wind warnings are widespread, and the Sierra Nevada region is bracing for deep snowfall, with avalanche conditions likely.
Meanwhile, the Climate Prediction Center has issued a weather outlook indicating above-average temperatures for the central US, including cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, and Houston from February 24 to 28. The East Coast is expected to experience seasonal temperatures, while the West Coast may see slightly cooler conditions. This warmth is projected to extend towards the East Coast, including New York City, from February 26 to March 3.
In a meteorological milestone, the National Weather Service office in Washington-Baltimore reported encountering the second strongest upper-level wind on record on February 17. A weather balloon recorded winds of 265 miles per hour (426 km per hour) between 34,000 to 35,000 feet, showcasing the sheer power of the jet stream. This year, the jet stream's influence has been felt in Europe, contributing to severe winter storms like Isha and Jocelyn.
Across the globe, in Australia, ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln is causing heavy rainfall and flooding in Northern Australia. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology warns that Lincoln could potentially re-intensify into a tropical cyclone later in the week. As the storm moves towards the Western Australia-Northern Territory border, it is drawing in moisture from the tropics, posing a significant risk to the region. Concurrently, Western Australia is facing record-breaking heat, with all-time temperature records being set in towns like Carnarvon and Shark Bay. The extreme weather conditions in Australia underscore the unpredictable and impactful nature of climate patterns around the world.