Brace yourselves, California! After weeks of relentless rainfall and devastating floods in the Pacific Northwest, the Golden State is bracing for another onslaught. Flood watches are in effect across California, promising a soggy end to the year.
Already, 50-75mm (2-3 inches) of rain has drenched Northern California this weekend. But that's just the beginning. A series of atmospheric rivers – imagine rivers of moisture in the sky – are poised to unleash heavy rain and mountain snow across the northern and central parts of the state. These flood watches will remain in effect until Friday.
By Boxing Day, a large portion of California is expected to see cumulative rainfall exceeding 50mm (2 inches). However, the northwestern corner of the state and the western slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada mountains could be drenched with a staggering 200-300mm (8-12 inches).
And this is the part most people miss... Los Angeles could be in for one of its wettest Christmases on record, with 100-150mm (4-6 inches) of rain expected between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This deluge increases the likelihood of river and urban flooding, particularly in areas with runoff from higher ground. Mountainous and foothill regions face additional risks of mudslides and rockslides.
For those planning a winter wonderland experience, Yosemite National Park is under a winter storm warning. Expect a massive accumulation of snow – potentially 1.8-2.4 meters (6-8 feet) by Boxing Day. Heavy snow and strong winds will make travel a real challenge during the festive period.
But here's where it gets controversial... It's not just California facing weather woes. Large parts of Zimbabwe are also in for a wet Christmas. The Meteorological Services Department has issued a level 2 weather warning from Sunday, December 21st, to Wednesday, December 24th. Some areas could see over 50mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period. This rain will be accompanied by hail, frequent lightning, and strong winds. This extreme weather is due to the interaction of warm, moist air with low-pressure systems.
And for those Down Under... Australia is experiencing some wild temperature swings. Sydney, currently sweltering above 40C, will see temperatures plummet to around 22C by Christmas Day – about 5C below average. Meanwhile, Perth will see temperatures steadily climb, reaching a scorching 40C around Christmas Day – a whopping 10C above average!
What do you think? Are these extreme weather patterns a sign of things to come? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
