Weather Fact Wednesday: The Science Of Atmospheric Rivers

Yahoo

2 days ago

Everyone knows what a river is, but do you know about the concept of an atmospheric river? The majority of water vapor outside of the tropics is transported via atmospheric rivers, which are comparatively long, narrow areas in the atmosphere that resemble rivers in the sky. Since they are vital to the Earth's climate because they control a majority of the moisture flow from the tropics to the poles, they then have a hugh impact on sea ice, air temperatures, and other climate-related variables, since they have an effect in the growth of clouds. Not all atmospheric rivers are harmful though, as the majority are weak systems that often generate beneficial rain or snow that is necessary for the water supply.
Unfortunately, the good also brings with it the bad. For instance, the commonly recognized 'Pineapple Express,' which can carry precipitation from Hawaii to the US West Coast, may bring about mudslides, gridlocked roads, and significant property and personal damage. Like hurricanes, atmospheric rivers are rated, but unlike hurricanes, their ratings take into account the possibility that they may also be helpful. Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (outstanding) are the ratings' ranges.
Thus, the issue arises: do atmospheric rivers have an effect on D.C. and the surrounding area? Indeed, as atmospheric rivers have affected Washington, D.C. even though most are associated with the West Coast. One recent example was the atmospheric river that created flooding and a lot of rain earlier in May of 2025 along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
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