National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Atmospheric River Bringing Heavy Rain to Southern California and Heavy Snow to the Sierra Nevadas

A strong atmospheric river will continue heavy rain over southern California through Friday. The heaviest rainfall is ongoing today in the Los Angeles Basin. Flash and urban flooding is possible. A prolonged heavy snowfall has begun over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and will continue through Friday. Travel will become increasingly difficult over the passes due to snow and strong winds. Read More >

This satellite image was taken at 500 pm PDT on 13 Aug 2003. The image clearly shows smoke plumes from several wild fires in British Columbia, western Montana, and one in northwest Washington near Northport. If you look closely, in addition to the large smoke plumes in BC, you'll see several small plumes as well.

Satellite image of wildfires