Unusual rain hit Death Valley November has left a historical mark: the driest place on record in North America Wettest November since records existWith precipitation of more than 44 mm (1.75 in).
This phenomenon broke the established record 115 years oldit happened after a strong passage Atmospheric river That affected Southern California in the middle of the month.
This weather event, characterized by a wide range of moisture in the atmosphere that transports large amounts of water vapor from the tropics, is described as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Like “River in the Sky”.
Although these systems often benefit the region by recharging reservoirs during the dry season, they can also lead to Floods, landslides and power outages Big, especially on the West Coast during the winter.
On this occasion, Atmospheric river It arrived early in Southern California, where these phenomena typically occur later in the winter.
Storm dump more than 127 mm of rain the Angels It exceeded 254 mm at the airport Santa BarbaraAnd completely eliminate the drought that afflicted the region. Moreover, Death Valley Not only did it break the monthly record, but it also set a new record for the period from September to November, known as atmospheric autumn.
office National Weather Service (NWS) In Las Vegas, responsible for forecasts for the Death Valley area, published on Las Vegas: 73.9 mm (2.91 inches, second-wettest) – Bishop: 54.9 mm (2.16 inches, seventh-wettest) – Barstow: 51.6 mm (2.03 inches, ninth-wettest) – Death Valley: 61.2 mm (2.41 inches, wettest on record!)“.
in case Furnace Creekthe park’s main city, has a typical November rainfall of only 2.5 mm (0.1 in). NWS Meteorologist Clay Morgan He explained to Newsweek This number exceeded this year by more than 1000% monthly average.
The consequences of these exceptional rains were reflected in the closure of several roads inside the park by order of the Authority National Park Service (NPS) Following flooding caused by the storm on November 15 and additional rainfall in the following days.
“Roads have been completely washed out in some places and entry will leave tire tracks and braided trails in the desert as users attempt to locate what was once the road,” NPS detailed.
Despite the intensity of the rain, as of Monday there was no threat of new flooding in the area Death Valley. However, the area was under a frost alert, with meteorological forecasts warning of temperatures of up to… -1°C.
meteorologist Clay Morgan He emphasized Newsweek How vulnerable the area is to these phenomena: “Death Valley is very vulnerable to flooding. The terrain is very difficult and rocky. It’s like pouring water on a table. So, there can be landslides and rivers of water, mud, rocks, debris and anything else that can be carried that flows onto the roads down the hill or wherever it falls.”
Looking at the next few days,… NWS Climate Prediction Center It forecasts above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation for Death Valley and Southern California.