ATMOSPHERIC RIVER Definition & Meaning

atmospheric river

[ at-muhs-fer-ik riv-er, -feer- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Meteorology.

a long, narrow corridor in the atmosphere that transports massive amounts of concentrated water vapor from the tropics: often responsible for extratropical cyclones and other extreme weather events, but also for commonly weaker systems of rain that replenish water supplies. : AR Compare cloud band ( def 1 ).

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of atmospheric river¹

First recorded in 1990–95

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The remnants of an atmospheric river that will hit Northern California this weekend will bring cold and windy conditions to the southern section of the state before things look to dry out again, according to a weather service forecast.

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Southern California is about to get drenched by new storms this week, with a powerful atmospheric river expected to arrive early Wednesday.

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Then a powerful atmospheric river is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy rain along the coast through Thursday, with significant impacts to the mountains as it moves east through the week.

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A storm is first expected to drench San Diego County on Monday night before an atmospheric river storm soaks the L.A. region midweek, posing a threat to burn scar areas.

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An atmospheric river is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy precipitation along the coast of California through Thursday, with significant impacts to mountain areas as it moves east toward the end of the week.

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