California Braces for Atmospheric River After Cold, Blustery Weekend

Gusty winds on Saturday to be followed by increasing rain chances on Sunday and a warmer, moisture-laden storm early next week.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to senior newsroom meteorologist Greg Porter of the San Francisco Chronicle, California is set to experience an atmospheric river storm system in the coming days, following a cold and blustery weekend. The storm is expected to bring increased rain chances on Sunday, followed by a warmer and more moisture-laden system early next week.

Why it matters

Atmospheric river events can bring significant rainfall and flooding to California, which has experienced severe drought conditions in recent years. This storm system has the potential to provide much-needed precipitation to the region, though it may also come with the risk of hazardous weather conditions.

The details

Porter, who has a background in meteorology and has worked for organizations around the world, explained that the weekend will start with gusty winds on Saturday, followed by increasing rain chances on Sunday. The storm system is then expected to bring warmer temperatures and more moisture early next week.

  • Gusty winds are expected on Saturday.
  • Increasing rain chances are forecast for Sunday.
  • A warmer, moisture-laden storm system is expected to arrive early next week.

The players

Greg Porter

A senior newsroom meteorologist at the San Francisco Chronicle, with a background in atmospheric science and experience working for both government and commercial organizations around the world.

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What they’re saying

“Gusty winds Saturday will be followed by increasing rain chances Sunday and a warmer, moisture-laden storm early next week.”

— Greg Porter, Senior Newsroom Meteorologist (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Porter and the Chronicle's weather team will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on the expected rainfall, wind, and potential flooding risks as the event unfolds.

The takeaway

This atmospheric river storm system has the potential to provide much-needed precipitation to California, which has experienced severe drought conditions in recent years, though it may also come with the risk of hazardous weather conditions that residents should be prepared for.