The recent flooding in Washington has raised questions about the relationship between La Niña and atmospheric rivers. While La Niña typically brings wetter conditions to the Pacific Northwest, a new study suggests that atmospheric rivers can be a significant wild card, overwhelming the usual patterns of La Niña.
La Niña is the periodic cooling of water in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean near the equator, occurring approximately every three years. It is often associated with wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest and drier conditions in Southern California and the Desert Southwest. However, La Niña is not the sole cause of atmospheric rivers, which are long, narrow channels of moisture that can bring heavy rainfall and flooding.
A study published earlier this year found that atmospheric rivers can be a significant factor in overwhelming the typical patterns of La Niña. For example, during a La Niña event two years ago, California experienced nine separate atmospheric rivers, resulting in deadly flooding and hundreds of landslides.
The Impact of Atmospheric Rivers
Atmospheric rivers are predictable only a couple of weeks in advance, making them a challenge for seasonal forecasting. Just 1 or 2 strong atmospheric river events can make it a “wet season” in California, highlighting the importance of monitoring these events. The atmospheric rivers seen this weekend are more directed at California, underscoring the need for continued research and understanding of these phenomena.
As the relationship between La Niña and atmospheric rivers continues to be studied, it is essential to recognize the complexity of these phenomena and their potential impact on regional weather patterns. By understanding these connections, we can better prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, ultimately saving lives and reducing damage.
For more information on La Niña and atmospheric rivers, visit The Weather Channel or Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
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