Following a historic heatwave in March 2026, the U.S. West is preparing for a brief respite with cooler and wetter conditions expected in early April. The preceding heatwave shattered temperature records across the western and central United States, exacerbating issues such as record low snowpack and heightened wildfire risks. Weather West reports that a transient trough will displace the persistent ridge, ushering in cooler temperatures and some precipitation to regions including the Pacific Northwest, northern and central Rockies, and the California North Coast. However, the expected precipitation is modest, with most areas likely to receive less than 1-2 inches of liquid equivalent over the next 7-10 days. The weather system's initial phase will be warm, resulting in rain on mountaintops, while the subsequent phase may bring snowfall to higher elevations.