Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies this Weekend

A Pacific storm and atmospheric river will impact the Pacific Northwest states and northern Rockies this weekend, bringing locally heavy low elevations rain and heavy high elevation snow in the mountains. By Sunday over the Interior Northwest, rain combined with snowmelt will increase the risk of flood hazards. Flood Watches are in effect. Read More >

Winds will increase late this morning into the afternoon as a stronger jet stream moves in on the southern edge of a upper level trough moving across the northern Rockies states. Expect strongest winds to occur over northwest Colorado and areas along I-70 in west-central Colorado where winds will gust to 45 mph or greater at times. A wind advisory is in effect for those areas as shown in the map below from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today. Generally winds will be gusting 30 to 40 mph elsewhere. Much drier conditions are expected across east-central Utah and portions of west-central Colorado including Paradox Valley where critical fire weather conditions will be met. Therefore, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for those areas. Breezy conditions will continue into Tuesday but will be less windy than Monday.

Wind Advisory in effect from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today (tan/brown areas)

Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 am MDT through 9 pm MDT today (pink/reddish areas)

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