It’s been a rainy 2023 in SoCal. What’s with all that rain?
Written by Tom Müller
California experienced intense rainfall and flooding in early 2023, with multiple atmospheric rivers identified as the primary cause. So what are atmospheric rivers? We’ll dive into the nature of atmospheric rivers, their impact on California, and their potential relationship with climate change.
The Culprit: Atmospheric Rivers
In late December 2022, California began facing a series of atmospheric rivers, which are regions in the atmosphere that transport moisture from the tropics to higher latitudes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these weather phenomena, combined with high winds, can cause heavy rain and snowfall on land.
The Impact: Flooding, Landslides, and Power Outages
Atmospheric rivers have been compared to hurricanes due to their rapid rainfall, increased wave heights, and extreme winds. As of March 21, 2023, The Guardian reported that California had experienced 12 atmospheric rivers since December, with more expected throughout the spring. The resulting widespread flooding forced entire towns to evacuate, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power. High winds, downed trees, and landslides further exacerbated the situation, which the National Weather Service (NWS) deemed life-threatening.
The latest storm has particularly affected higher elevations, which brought cooler moisture and increased snowfall. This led to a heightened risk of avalanches, school closures, and travel disruptions. In some cases, heavy snow caused roofs to collapse.
Atmospheric Rivers and Climate Change:
While atmospheric rivers are a natural part of our weather system, NOAA research indicates that a changing climate could alter their frequency, making water management more difficult and increasing precipitation at lower elevations. This suggests that climate change could exacerbate the damage already witnessed in California in early 2023.
The Importance of Data Collection and Climate Action:
Having the tools to collect data and examine climate models is crucial for understanding the future impacts of atmospheric rivers and preparing for them. This knowledge can help protect people from the potential dangers posed by these weather events.
The intensified storms observed in recent years, such as Hurricane Ian, highlight the importance of focusing on and achieving climate goals. Addressing climate change can play a critical role in mitigating the severity of future atmospheric river events and other extreme weather phenomena.