Name: Atmospheric rivers: What they are and how they can impact you
Uploaded: 2025-10-25T13:25:22.775Z
Duration: 28 s
Description: As the winter season approaches, atmospheric rivers become more common. These ribbons of water vapor in the sky funnel moisture from the tropics towards the poles and have the ability to dump incredible amounts of rain and snow.

As the winter season approaches, atmospheric rivers become more common. These ribbons of water vapor in the sky funnel moisture from the tropics towards the poles and have the ability to dump incredible amounts of rain and snow.

Atmospheric rivers are large, concentrated bands of water vapor in the atmosphere that transport vast amounts of moisture, sometimes carrying up to 15 times the water found at the mouth of the Mississippi River. These weather phenomena are rated on a scale similar to hurricanes due to their potential to cause significant flooding.

Despite their power, atmospheric rivers are relatively common, with four to five typically present on Earth at any given time. Experts advise the public to stay informed about these events, especially as they are expected to become more frequent during winter months.

Atmospheric rivers: What they are and how they can impact you

You know about rivers and the ground, but what about the ones in the sky? Atmospheric rivers will become more and more common as we head into winter. Let's talk about it. They're essentially ribbons of water vapor that funnel an incredible amount of moisture, like 15 times the amount at the mouth of the Mississippi. Because of their potential flooding impacts, they're rated on a scale like hurricanes. And they're more common than you might think. We typically see four to five on Earth at any given time. But just because they're common doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention. Make sure you stay locked in with us at weather.com.

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