Weather Eye: Here we go again, with highs in the 90s, chance for 100

Ready for another hot one? Well, ready or not, here it is! Highs today will be in the mid-to-upper 90s with maybe a 100-degree-high thrown in somewhere around the area. Smoke from wildfires to our east are predicted to cover our skies, so if the smoke is too thick in areas, that could hold the high temperature down a few degrees.

It will still be in the 90s Wednesday but cooler Thursday and Friday with highs from 75 to 80, then back in the mid 80s over the weekend. As always, this is subject to change.

And change it does. Last week at this time, forecast models had us with seasonal temperatures this week and no more 90-degree highs. Didn’t quite work out that way. No rain in sight even with a weak weather system moving by to our north later in the week. Chances go up a bit but only that.

You have heard about the “Godzilla” of an El Niño forecast for this winter. Reactions from climate and weather experts have gone viral. Some think we will be wet and mild, while many follow the typical pattern of a strong El Niño where the jet stream steers all the storms over California.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac comes out this week, and it surmises that the Pacific Northwest will have a cold and snowy winter. Now, many think it is only for entertainment purposes, and I admit it is a good read when you need something to help pass the time.

Their accuracy rate is about 25 percent or so overall. Yes, they have nailed certain periods with actual results but generally give a broad-brush presentation and miss many other weather events. For the most part, it is passed over by serious weather and climate folks. I don’t know how anyone could predict the weather months out with any percentage of accuracy.

Still, many enjoy it and can recall when they really nailed a forecast. I get frustrated sometimes just trying to figure out what the next weekend will be like. I can throw something out there and get a 50-50 chance. And so it goes, all in fun as I annually pick up my copy of the almanac.

Patrick Timm is a local weather specialist. His column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Reach him at http://patricktimm.com