Atmospheric Rivers’ to Bring Heavy Rain to Western US, Canada
TL/DR –
A tropical cyclone named Anggrek, with winds reaching 120mph, has been forming off the west coast of the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean but is not expected to make landfall. The US, which recently experienced severe winter storms, is now anticipating heavy rain in the west due to an atmospheric river, a phenomenon sometimes known as a “pineapple express,” which transports warm, moist air to the west coast of the US; Western Canada will also be affected. Meanwhile, Spain has been experiencing a heatwave with record January temperatures around 30C (10C above average), and Canada and northern US are expected to see above average temperatures at the end of January and through the beginning of February.
Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Intensifies
In the past week, a tropical cyclone has intensified, boasting winds of 120mph. Originating from the west coast of the Cocos Islands, Cyclone Anggrek has been moving south-west across the Indian Ocean. According to the Jakarta Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, it is not forecasted to make landfall and will weaken later this week.
US Weather Conditions
Following last week’s series of winter storms in the eastern US that resulted in extreme snowfall and significant damage, the west is set to experience heavy rainfall. This is due to a deepening low travelling from the Atlantic.
California’s Expected Rainfall
North-western areas of California are bracing for heavy rainfall, with over 100mm predicted on Wednesday. Known as atmospheric rivers, these weather phenomena are responsible for the warm and moist air transported north-west from the tropical Pacific near Hawaii, sometimes referred to as the “pineapple express”.
Implication for Canada and Western US
The “pineapple express” hits the west coast of the US, causing significant rainfall and snow over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Also, western parts of Canada could experience flooding due to atmospheric rivers this week. Vancouver Island is predicted to receive over 200mm of rain in a few days.
El Niño and Atmospheric Rivers
The current El Niño, which enhances atmospheric rivers by allowing more moisture absorption due to warmer Pacific temperatures, can cause severe flooding but also provide crucial water to drought-stricken areas.
Heatwave across Spain
A heatwave across Spain has seen temperatures close to 30C, around 10C above the January average. Despite easing this week, temperatures will still remain above average.
Temperature Surge in Canada and Northern US
After experiencing bitterly cold temperatures in January, Canada and northern areas of the US are expected to see above-average temperatures towards the end of the month and beginning of February.
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