Rainy and Snowy in the Northwest; Hot and Dry in California This Week

Two deeply contrasting weather patterns are setting up over the West Coast this week. While the Pacific Northwest is getting slammed with persistent rain and heavy snow, California and the Desert Southwest will experience soaring temperatures. Read on for the details of this diabolical weather situation out West.

Soaker of a Few Days in Store for the Pacific Northwest

A large plume of moisture coming in from the Pacific Ocean is unleashing several rounds of rain and snow across much of Washington and northwestern Oregon to close out the week. Meanwhile, the Southwest and California will be enjoying summerlike heat heading into the weekend.

Forecasters are warning those in the Northwest to prepare for the threat of flooding in poor-drainage areas and along small streams and other waterways. Motorists using the heavily traveled Interstate 5 corridor connecting Seattle to Portland are likely to experience delays due to poor visibilty and ponding on roadways as the rain comes down in sheets.

The latest forecast models are calling for widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches across coastal Washington, northwestern Oregon, and over to the lower western slopes along the northern Cascades by the time the system wraps up late Friday.