Rainy season to start soon for west coast soon

A pattern change in late October usually signals the beginning of the rainy season in portions of the West and this year is no different. Beneficial rainfall has already occurred, making a positive impact in some areas experiencing drought and a wet pattern looks to be developing in the week ahead. 

Rain will return to the forecast in the West to start the week. Then, another area of low pressure may approach the California coast late in the week, bringing more wet weather to an area that desperately needs it.

An unsettled pattern is developing to start this week. Chances for rain increase Sunday-Monday for the Pacific Northwest and northern California as a strong low pressure system approaches the region.

Current Satellite

Rainfall is generally expected to be light through Monday with most locations receiving less than an inch. Portions of northwestern California and western Oregon, however, may receive up to three inches of rainfall.

(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

Five Day Forecast

Another low pressure system may impact the Pacific Northwest Wednesday, bringing another round of mainly light rain to the region. 

(FORECAST: Los Angeles | Sacramento, California | Portland, Oregon | Seattle)

Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast

Late this week, a third low pressure system is expected to approach the West coast and may bring significant rain farther south into central and southern California. A few thunderstorms are even possible with this late week system. If moderate to heavy rain does develop in southern California there will be the risk of mudslides and debris flows on recent burn areas.

There is currently some uncertainty on timing and strength of this potential system given that it is several days away so be sure to check back to weather.com for forecast updates.

Drought Improvement

A series of low pressure systems brought much-needed rainfall to the Pacific Northwest last week into early this week. Damaging winds were also observed in Oregon and Washington late last week.

The drought monitor released on Oct. 20 showed for the first time since early June there is a small part of California that isn't analyzed as even abnormally dry, in the far northwest corner of the state. In fact, 7.77 percent of the state is not experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, which is the most since March 2013. 

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/good-start-rainy-season-west-more-october-rain