atmospheric river

American  

[at-muhs-fer-ik riv-er, -feer-] / ˌæt məsˈfɛr ɪk ˈrɪv ər, -ˈfɪər- /

noun

Meteorology.

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of atmospheric river

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

“While this storm is not expected to be as intense as the atmospheric river we experienced in December, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and dangerous surf can still create serious hazards, including flooding and debris flows.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

That comes after a series of atmospheric river storms resulted in downtown Los Angeles’ wettest start to the water year, which begins Oct. 1., since 2011.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

After several atmospheric river systems have come through, familiar conditions are set to return to the region later this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Heavy rain from an atmospheric river system caused flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas still scarred by wildfires.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

Residents in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada are bracing for what could be record setting floods as an atmospheric river dumps heavy rain on already swollen rivers.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025