Atmospheric rivers are a winter phenomenon that brings heavy rain or snow to the West Coast of the U.S., stretching from San Diego to Vancouver. They are moist air currents from the Pacific Ocean that release precipitation upon reaching mountains in Washington, Oregon, and California. Recently, the definition is expanding as meteorologists also attribute certain storms east of the Rockies to atmospheric rivers, a shift highlighted by significant flooding events. However, there remains a debate within the meteorological community about the appropriateness and accuracy of this broader usage.
While atmospheric rivers are well-known on the West Coast, they are increasingly recognized as a significant weather phenomenon affecting broader regions, including the eastern U.S.
Meteorologists debate the terminology used to describe weather conditions, with some advocating for the broader application of the term 'atmospheric river' beyond the West Coast.
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