by Seattle, Washington — After days of destructive flooding and record rainfall, the Pacific Northwest is getting a brief chance to dry out this weekend. But forecasters say the break will be short-lived. A new atmospheric river is expected to arrive late Sunday, bringing another round of heavy rain to Washington and Oregon, with impacts spreading into Northern California early next week.
Meteorologists warn that while this next system may be shorter and slightly weaker than the back-to-back storms earlier this week, the region remains highly vulnerable due to saturated ground, swollen rivers, and ongoing runoff from the Cascades into Puget Sound.
Brief drying window before next storm
According to forecasters, drier weather will persist through at least the first half of Sunday across much of the Pacific Northwest. This pause is expected to provide limited relief for emergency crews and residents still dealing with flood impacts from earlier storms.
However, runoff from previous rainfall will continue moving through river systems, meaning flooding concerns will not fully subside, even during the dry window.
Officials emphasize that this short break should be used to prepare for the next system, as conditions could deteriorate quickly once rain returns.
Timing and expected impacts through early week
Forecast guidance outlines a clear timeline for the upcoming atmospheric river:
- Arrival: Late Sunday in Washington; Tuesday in Northern California
- Peak flood potential: Late Sunday through Monday in Washington and Oregon; Tuesday in Northern California
- Departure: Early Tuesday in Washington, though models suggest a possible reinforcing wave later Tuesday
The primary concern remains flooding, especially in areas that experienced significant impacts earlier this week.
How this atmospheric river compares to recent storms
Meteorologists say this event will differ from the powerful systems that hit earlier in the week in several key ways.
This atmospheric river is expected to have a shorter duration than the back-to-back storms that struck Monday and Wednesday. Rainfall totals also appear lighter than the mid-week event that caused widespread flooding.
Additionally, the orientation of the storm is expected to be less perpendicular to regional mountain ranges, which should slightly reduce rainfall rates compared to previous events.
Despite these differences, the storm is still forecast to be classified as a Category 4 atmospheric river, placing it in the same intensity category as Wednesday’s event.
Read Also: Here’s How Much Snow Pittsburgh Could See This Weekend, According to NWS Map
Why flooding risk remains high
Even with lighter rainfall totals, forecasters caution that it won’t take much rain to trigger new flooding, particularly in Washington.
Soils across the region are already fully saturated, rivers are running high, and snowmelt combined with rainfall continues to feed waterways draining from the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
In many flood-prone areas, even moderate additional rainfall could lead to renewed road closures, river flooding, and landslides.
Expected rainfall totals by region
Rainfall from this atmospheric river will be unevenly distributed, with the highest totals focused on terrain that enhances precipitation.
- Cascades and Olympic Mountains: 3 to 6 inches of rain
- Interstate 5 corridor: 1 to 2 inches of rain, extending as far south as central Oregon
- Northern California: Lighter rainfall overall, but spread farther south than earlier storms
Forecasters note that while Northern California will see new rainfall from this event, totals there are expected to remain relatively light.
Snow confined to highest elevations
Snowfall with this system will be limited to the highest elevations of the Cascades and Northern Rockies due to elevated snow levels.
However, significant accumulation is still possible in mountain zones. Forecasters say over a foot of snow could fall in parts of the Washington Cascades, particularly as snow levels drop more quickly on the backside of the storm.
While mountain snow may help reduce runoff later in the season, short-term impacts include dangerous travel conditions over high passes.
What residents should prepare for
Emergency managers urge residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and avoid complacency during the weekend lull.
Key concerns include:
- Renewed flooding in low-lying and river-adjacent areas
- Mudslides and landslides, especially near steep terrain
- Road closures and travel disruptions
- Rapid river rises late Sunday into Monday
Officials advise residents to monitor local alerts, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and be prepared for changing conditions as the storm arrives.
Pattern remains active for the Pacific Coast
Meteorologists say this event reinforces that the active Pacific storm pattern is far from over, with multiple systems continuing to line up across the Pacific Ocean.
While this upcoming atmospheric river may not match the worst impacts seen earlier in the week, its arrival on an already stressed landscape keeps flood risks elevated across the region.
Further updates are expected as the storm approaches and confidence in rainfall placement increases.
Are you seeing high water or lingering flood issues in your area, or is your community getting a brief break before the next storm? Share your local conditions in the comments below.
