Forecast models are anticipating a major weather pattern change for California as Christmas approaches, with a series of atmospheric rivers set to funnel impacts in the Golden State as soon as this week and persisting through the holiday.
Atmospheric rivers are a “long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The forecast comes as central California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area, has been locked in a dry spell. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists at the San Francisco office said it hasn’t rained in three weeks. Although dry spells throughout the winter are not uncommon for the area, NWS lead meteorologist Matt Mehle told Newsweek that a “notable pattern change” will move into the area next week.
“A stronger, more potent storm system will come in on the 22nd and 23rd, so that’s going to be leading right into the Christmas holiday,” Mehle said. “It could impact travel.”…