Atmospheric River to Bring Heavy Rain to Northern California and the Pacific Northwest

California has been in the midst of a pretty significant drought recently. It started to look better in November when there were quite a few showers, but got worse again in January.

California has had the driest January since records began in 1850, however, later this week the northern half of the state along with Washington and Oregon are preparing for a pretty heavy dousing. The developing plume of moisture that will deliver this forecast is what meteorologists call an "atmospheric river". This comes from the tropics and moves up to the middle latitudes.

The most rain that is to occur during this event will fall in northwest California and Southwest Oregon where there could be up to 10 inches or more. This heavy rainfall could potentially induce landslides in those areas, rises in streams and rivers, and possible flooding in urban areas.

Facts about atmospheric rivers:
- An atmospheric river can transport water vapor 15 times more than the liquid flow of the Mississippi River.
- Will likely produce considerable flooding in affected areas.

Source: http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/atmospheric-river-california-northwest-oregon-washington