Seattle Gets a Second Summer? Atmospheric River Brings Warmth & Rain in November
Seattle, Washington – In a surprising twist, the Puget Sound region is experiencing weather more akin to August than November. An unusual atmospheric river arrived Thursday evening, bringing with it a surge of humidity, warmth, and much-needed rainfall. This breaking news event has residents questioning if summer has made a late return, and experts are weighing in on the significance of this weather pattern.
Unseasonal Rainfall & the Atmospheric River Phenomenon
Meteorologist Logan Howard with the National Weather Service in Seattle described the system as “a rather strong and humid front…or you can also call it an atmospheric river.” This isn’t your typical November drizzle. The atmospheric river is delivering substantial precipitation. Seattle is expected to receive between ¾ inch and 1 ¼ inches of rain, while the Olympic and Cascade Mountains could see even higher totals.
But what *is* an atmospheric river? These long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere are responsible for a significant portion of the West Coast’s annual precipitation. Think of them as rivers in the sky. While crucial for replenishing water supplies, they can also bring the risk of flooding and landslides, especially when they stall over an area. The current system, while strong, isn’t currently posing a major flood threat, but residents are advised to stay informed.
Rainfall Deficit & the Importance of This System
The timing of this atmospheric river is particularly important. Seattle is currently behind on its annual rainfall totals. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), the official rainfall monitoring location, only 14 ¾ inches have been recorded this year – a deficit of 7 inches compared to expected levels. This rain is therefore a welcome relief for the region’s water resources.
“Precipitation is necessary,” Howard emphasized, highlighting the critical role of this system in addressing the rainfall shortfall. The lack of consistent rainfall can impact everything from hydroelectric power generation to the health of local ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: A Return to Normal?
Don’t pack away your summer clothes just yet! While the atmospheric river is expected to move east of the Cascades by early Saturday, the warm weather isn’t leaving immediately. The forecast calls for a few days of partially cloudy skies with daytime temperatures remaining in the 70s.
And there’s more good news for those who enjoy sunshine. Howard predicts a warming trend towards the end of next week, with temperatures climbing closer to normal levels – around 80 degrees – and several days of sunshine on the horizon. This fluctuation underscores the increasingly unpredictable nature of weather patterns, a trend scientists attribute to climate change.
This unexpected burst of warmth and rain serves as a reminder of the dynamic climate in the Pacific Northwest. Staying informed about weather forecasts and understanding the impact of atmospheric rivers is crucial for residents and visitors alike. For the latest updates and detailed forecasts, visit the National Weather Service Seattle website and stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving weather story.
Reporting by Heather Bosch. Follow her on Twitter: @heatherbosch
