Rain and Snow Back in the Forecast for California in Days Ahead

A major change in the weather is beginning to unfold across California. A parade of storms is lining up to hammer the West Coast with rain and mountain snow heading into the second week of February, delivering a stark change from the dry and docile conditions of the last month. Here is a closer look at the timing and potential impacts of this unsettled weather pattern.

California Prepares for Return of Rain and Snow

While the eastern U.S. has been in the bullseye for frequent waves of moisture to start the new year, it has been the opposite situation for much of the West. Just as the East has been dealing with the most active winter weather pattern in about five years, the western edge of the country has seen very little storm activity.

All you have to do is look at the difference in snowpack across ski resorts on both coasts to understand the dichotomy. The bulk of the ski resorts across New England are enjoying snowpack levels of near 130% of normal. Conversely, most of California's major ski resorts are sitting at below 40% of the average.

A northward bulge in the jet stream over the western U.S. has been responsible for the unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of moisture across California, Arizona, and Nevada in recent weeks. Major California cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Fresno have seen temperatures hovering about 2 to 4 degrees above normal since the beginning of January.