After weeks of dry conditions and above average temperatures, wet weather is finally in the forecast for a region of the nation that needs it the most.
Throughout the next several days, a dip in the jet stream will set up over the eastern Pacific, allowing moisture to flow into California, Oregon and Washington.
In addition, two different storm systems are poised to develop over the Pacific and drench the West Coast later this week, providing the parched region with beneficial rainfall.
Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall can be expected with this round, especially late Wednesday into Wednesday night. Some locations in northern California, including Eureka andRedding, may see as much as an inch of rain from this first round.
This system will bring rain as far south as Los Angeles, which is already running 6 inches below normal rainfall this year, on top of an 11.33-inch deficit from 2013. For the combined 2013-14 period to date, only 18 percent of normal rainfall has fallen. While 2 to 4 inches of rain may fall in L.A. during this second storm system, it will still not be enough to get rid of the drought. The foothills in Southern California could see heavier rain amounts of up to 6 inches, making recent burn areas vulnerable to debris flows and mudslides.
As a result of the exceptional drought, watersheds and lakes are running low, not just because of the warm temperatures and dry weather conditions, but also due to the water needs commanded by agriculture and human activity.
http://www.weather.com/news/weather-forecast/beneficial-rain-west-coast-california-nevada-oregon-washington-20140222
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