Key Messages from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center
Issued October 15, 2025 and Updated October 17, 2025
Atmospheric River Favors Increased Storminess Across the Western U.S. in Late October
A powerful atmospheric river is forecast to impact the Western U.S. late next week, bringing increased chances of heavy rain, high winds, and high-elevation snow.
(a) Areas from western Washington down through northern California face a risk of heavy rain, with flooding possible over northern Washington to northwestern California. The highest confidence (>60% chance) for heavy precipitation is over northern California to southern Oregon.
(b) Heavy snow is expected across high-elevation regions of the Cascades, northern Sierra Nevada, and Northern Rockies, with the highest risk over high elevations of the northern Sierra Nevada.
(b) High winds are forecast for western Washington to northern California. Inland, high winds are forecast for parts of Montana and Wyoming through the Four Corners (moderate risk, 40 to 60% chance).
Travel is likely to be impacted by snow, rain, and wind. In addition to the potential for river flooding, small stream and urban flooding are possible. Interests should continue to monitor forecasts as the situation develops.