California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada Likely to See Above-Normal Christmas Week Rain as Multiple Atmospheric Rivers Target the West
CALIFORNIA — A very wet stretch is increasingly likely across California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada during Christmas week as several atmospheric rivers line up to deliver above-normal precipitation from the West Coast into the Rockies. Forecasters say confidence is rising that multiple storm systems will bring widespread rain, heavy mountain snow, and possible flooding concerns heading into the holiday weekend.
High Probability of Wetter-Than-Normal Conditions
Meteorologists report a high probability of above-average precipitation across nearly the entire western U.S. during the Christmas week–weekend timeframe. The latest CPC outlook highlights a large region from Los Angeles to Seattle, extending inland toward Nevada, Idaho, and western Montana, as “very likely wetter than normal.”
This pattern is being driven by a sequence of atmospheric rivers—long, concentrated plumes of Pacific moisture capable of producing heavy rainfall over coastal regions and major snowfall across the mountains.
Flooding Concerns Rising in Several States
Officials caution that flood risk is growing, especially in:
- California, where saturated soils in many regions increase vulnerability
- Oregon, where repeated storms may overwhelm rivers and creeks
- Washington, where heavy rainfall combined with mountain runoff could trigger additional flooding
Heavy mountain snow is also expected across the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the northern Rockies, improving ski conditions but increasing avalanche danger in some locations.
Christmas Week Storm Timeline
While exact timing and storm intensity may shift, the general pattern suggests:
- Early Week: Moisture surges into the Pacific Northwest
- Midweek: Stronger atmospheric river impacts California and Oregon
- Late Week / Weekend: Storms continue inland toward Nevada, Idaho, and the Rockies
Residents across the West are encouraged to stay alert for flood watches, winter storm warnings, and updated forecasts as the holiday approaches.
For continued coverage of major U.S. weather developments, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.