Key Takeaways:
- Heavy rainfall and flooding are expected to continue in California through the week, with cumulative rainfall totals exceeding 50mm (2in) across a vast swathe of the state.
- Los Angeles may experience one of its wettest Christmases on record, with 100-150mm (4-6in) of rainfall possible between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Winter storm warnings are in effect for Yosemite national park, with the potential for 1.8-2.4 metres (6-8ft) of accumulating snow by Boxing Day.
- Zimbabwe is expected to experience heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds leading up to Christmas, with some areas seeing more than 50mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period.
- Australia will see large variations in temperatures over the festive period, with Sydney experiencing a significant drop in temperature and Perth seeing a rise in temperature.
Introduction to Severe Weather Events
The Pacific north-west has been experiencing severe weather events in recent weeks, with prolonged heavy rainfall and devastating flooding affecting the region. The situation is expected to continue, with further flood watches issued across California through the week. The state has already seen significant rainfall, with 50-75mm (2-3in) reported across northern California over the weekend. A series of atmospheric rivers will continue to bring periods of heavy rain and mountain snow across the northern and central parts of the state, with flood watches extending until Friday.
California’s Weather Forecast
The cumulative rainfall totals are expected to widely exceed 50mm (2in) across a vast swathe of California by Boxing Day, with totals around 200-300mm (8-12in) possible for the north-western corner of California and western-facing slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Los Angeles could receive 100-150mm (4-6in) of rainfall between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which could make it one of the wettest Christmases on record for the city. The heavy rainfall is likely to cause river and urban flooding, particularly where there is run-off from high ground. Additionally, there are risks of mudslides and rockslides in mountain and foothill areas.
Winter Storm Warnings in Yosemite
Winter storm warnings are also in effect for Yosemite national park, with the potential for 1.8-2.4 metres (6-8ft) of accumulating snow by Boxing Day. The heavy snow, combined with strong winds, will make travel very difficult over the festive period. The Golden Gate Bridge was covered with dense fog near Fort Point as rainy weather and an atmospheric river hit the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday. The severe weather conditions are expected to continue, with the potential for significant disruptions to travel and daily life.
Severe Weather in Zimbabwe
In addition to the severe weather in California, Zimbabwe is also expected to experience heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds leading up to Christmas. A level 2 weather warning has been issued by the Meteorological Services Department from Sunday 21 December to Wednesday 24 December. Some areas are expected to see more than 50mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period, with the rain being accompanied by hail, frequent lightning, and strong winds. The severe weather conditions have been attributed to the interaction between warm, moist air and low-pressure systems over the western and northern parts of the country.
Temperature Variations in Australia
In contrast to the severe weather events in California and Zimbabwe, Australia will see large variations in temperatures over the festive period. Sydney, which is currently experiencing temperatures above 40C, is expected to tumble down to about 22C by Christmas Day, which is about 5C below average for this time of year. On the other hand, Perth is going to see temperatures gradually creep up, reaching a peak of 40C around Christmas Day, which is about 10C above average for this time of year. The significant temperature variations will likely have an impact on holiday plans and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather events in California, Zimbabwe, and Australia are expected to continue over the festive period. The heavy rainfall and flooding in California, combined with the winter storm warnings in Yosemite, will likely cause significant disruptions to travel and daily life. The severe weather conditions in Zimbabwe will also have an impact on the country, with heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds expected. In Australia, the large variations in temperatures will likely affect holiday plans and outdoor activities. It is essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period.