Summer is in full swing, like big letters on a marquee for a blockbuster movie. And it will be an extended engagement for the foreseeable future. Warm today — okay, maybe hot — then a little cooler Wednesday and Thursday, and finally, if the pattern evolves just right, a long run of 90 degree weather.
I foresee our first heat wave of the summer coming up by the weekend and into all of next week. Just thinking of that prospect while writing my column, I had to get out the iced tea. My definition of a heat wave is three straight days of 90 degrees (in the shade) or better.
Increased moisture from the monsoons over the desert southwest will meander northward at times, bringing thunderstorms and downpours along with the heat. These should remain in southern Oregon and east of the Cascades. But you never know.
So, if you are leaving home for vacation time this week or next, make plans for your yard, garden and potted plants to be watered each day. We will have a high evaporation rate. The coast will see an influx of low clouds and fog, especially whenever it heats up inland. But there will be instances of afternoon sunshine and temperatures in the 65-80 degree range.
