Jet Stream Pattern Brings Moisture from Hawaii to West Coast

The jet stream is shifting moisture flow from Hawaii to the West Coast of the United States and Canada. This pattern, referred to as the Pineapple Express, can push Pacific moisture farther inland, dropping rain and snow across the Southwest, the Four Corners, and the Rockies.

The weather setup points to above-average rain and snow across much of the Southwest during the winter of 2026 through February 2027. For California, this means more water may arrive as snow in the Sierra Nevada, which can be stored for later use. This pattern could also improve levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell.