Hawaii bracing for powerful storm that will feed West Coast atmospheric river

While a weather pattern realignment continues across the northern hemisphere, eyes turn toward the Pacific Ocean as an amalgamation of moisture and low pressure begin a chain reaction. It ultimately leads to wicked weather for Hawaii and delivers a lot of water to the western United States.

Weather Watch

Powerful Hawaiian storm. The 50th state is under a flood watch beginning late Wednesday as a strong low-pressure area is forecast to pass the region through late week. The Weather Service there is warning of damaging wind, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding from 4 to 6-plus inches of rain and heavy snowfall at the peaks of the tallest volcanoes.

Atmospheric river may rage. After a wet start to the cold season, it’s been quite dry in most of the western U.S. during recent weeks. That’s about to change. The first round of rain arrives Friday, then an atmospheric river firehose may blast the northern California region for several days starting this weekend. Right now, a widespread 3 to 6 inches seems likely with totals up to a foot or so in high elevations. At least some of the precipitation associated with the Hawaii low pressure will also end up feeding this event.

Lightning links

Here's how climate change fueled the Los Angeles fires.

Nearly 10 miles of beaches have been closed downstream from the Palisades Fire due to dangerous runoff risk.

Where’s the weather at?

After a busy month for cold, snow and wildfires, the contiguous U.S. is pretty quiet as January enters its final moments. Some snow is focused on New York and nearby New England as a windy Wednesday unfolds across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

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Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster that connects weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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