Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
California is currently contending with an extraordinary meteorological occurrence known as an atmospheric river, a weather phenomenon capable of unleashing up to 8 trillion gallons of rain over the state. Satellites have captured the swirling movement overhead the United States, signalling a significant weather event.
An atmospheric river is a prolonged and narrow band of moisture-laden air that transports substantial water vapor from the tropics to higher latitudes. Upon making landfall, these rivers release moisture as intense precipitation, presenting as either rain or snow depending on altitude and temperature.
This comes as the second Pineapple Express weather system within a week sweeps through California, bringing not only heavy rainfall but also hurricane-force winds The term "Pineapple Express" specifically denotes an atmospheric river originating near Hawaii and making its way to the West Coast of the United States.
The atmospheric river has recently impacted California, causing power outages for 8,50,000 residents and posing a serious flood threat. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight counties, home to over 20 million residents.
The storm's timing coincided with the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where celebrities navigated a rain-soaked red carpet, using handbags as makeshift umbrellas.
The National Weather Service forecasts continuous rainfall, with the southern and central coasts bracing for an inch of rain per hour and total accumulations ranging from 3-6 inches. In foothills and lower-elevation mountains, totals could reach 6-12 inches.
Forecasters warn of "near continuous rainfall" over 48 hours, particularly impacting Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. This poses a high risk for flooding and mudslides, especially in regions saturated by previous storms.
While atmospheric rivers are not new to California, climate change has intensified its frequency and impact. Warmer air holding more moisture contributed to the increased intensity and frequency of these events.
As California faces this latest weather onslaught, emergency services are on high alert, and communities are preparing for potential flooding. The state's response aims to mitigate the impact of the atmospheric river.