Heavy Rain and Snowfall Expected in Southern Canada and Western United States

Affected by the combined influence of an upper-level trough and a low-level vortex (Figure 1), it is expected that from February 16 to 19, 2026, parts of the southwestern coastal regions of the United States will experience moderate to heavy rain, with localized downpours. The cumulative rainfall is anticipated to be between 30 and 80 mm with some areas potentially reaching 100 mm. In southern Canada, the Great Lakes region, and high-altitude areas of the western United States, moderate to heavy snow or sleet is forecasted, with localized heavy or severe snowfall. The cumulative snowfall is expected to range from 5 to 15 mm, with some areas possibly receiving 20 to 30 mm, indicating a certain level of extremity (Figure 2). Most of these regions will also experience a temperature drop of 8 to 12 ℃, with localized temperature drop exceeding 16 ℃ (Figure 3). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of the intense rain, snow, and temperature drop on local power facilities, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1  500 hPa Geopotential Height (units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (units: m/s) at 20:00 (Beijing Time) on February 17, 2026

Figure 2  Accumulated Precipitation(units: mm) from 20:00 on February 16, 2026, to 20:00 on February 19, 2026 (Beijing Time)

Figure 3  48-hour Temperature Change at 2 meters (unit: °C) on 20:00  on February 18, 2026(Beijing Time)

https://www.wmc-bj.net

Author: Xie Jin                               Reviewer: Zhang Bo 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan