Insider Blog: What’s causing the flooding in the Pacific Northwest amid a dry spell here at home

The end of November and beginning of December has been largely warm and dry.

We've only measured minimal amounts of rain since Thanksgiving.

While many have likely enjoyed the quiet weather, it's left us noticeably dry across the region.

Some mid-Missourians have found themselves in a 30-day rain deficit of nearly an inch and a half.

Meanwhile, folks in the Pacific Northwest are dealing with flooding and landslides thanks to something called an atmospheric river.

These are areas of water vapor that transport large amounts of atmospheric moisture.

This atmospheric river has been lapping waves of moisture from the Pacific Ocean onto the coast of Washington this week.

And it looks like it will continue, bringing more unwanted rain and snow to the region.

More moisture that some here locally would be happy to see.