Climate Change to Intensify Atmospheric Rivers Along U.S. West Coast

New research reveals regional differences in how these powerful storms will evolve, with heightened risks of flooding and heat impacts.

Atmospheric rivers, narrow bands of water vapor, are expected to grow stronger and more intense as the climate warms, posing increased risks to West Coast communities.
The Pacific Northwest faces a significant rise in flood risks, with sea levels potentially spiking up to three times higher during storms by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions remain high.
Southern California will experience intensified atmospheric rivers, driven by increased ocean evaporation, particularly affecting the 'Pineapple Express' storms originating from Hawaii.
New findings also highlight the role of atmospheric rivers in transporting heat, contributing to temperature anomalies up to 18°F above average and moist heat waves in midlatitude regions.
Scientists emphasize the need for region-specific adaptation strategies to address these evolving storm patterns and their impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and coastal communities.