2 atmospheric rivers to impact Portland area around Valentine’s Day
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Need some romantic, rainy weather for Valentine’s Day? An atmospheric river might help set the mood as rain returns to the Portland metro area next week.
An atmospheric river is expected to take shape over the Pacific Ocean by Monday. The stream of atmospheric moisture will stretch from Hawaii to parts of British Columbia early next week. The flow of moisture will start to move south along the west coast by Tuesday.
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Tuesday’s rain showers will likely increase through the overnight hours and continue through Wednesday. Nearly three-quarters of an inch to a full inch of rain is possible for parts of western Oregon and Washington Tuesday through Wednesday.
Not only could the Pacific Northwest feel the impacts of one atmospheric river by Valentine’s Day, but a second one is showing signs of developing.
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The second atmospheric river of the week could bring another round of persistent rain to the Portland area by next weekend. Weather models are leaning towards the development of two atmospheric rivers, but could combined into one with updates coming next week.
Regardless, rainy weather is expected to stay over the Pacific Northwest next week. Not only will rain be falling, but atmospheric rivers also bring mild, more tropical conditions to the region. That means snow elevation levels will likely remain higher than normal. Some mountain snow is expected up in elevations, but mountain locations should also expect melting with the return of warmer weather and high-elevation rain.
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