Weather Eye: Weak system brings cooler temperatures, ideal weather

Pleasant summer weather is on tap, just like we talked about earlier this week. Highs will be in the 70s. with varying amounts of low clouds in the morning hours but plenty of sunshine in the afternoon and evening.

We actually had a weak weather system move through Wednesday morning, which brought nothing but coastal low clouds and cooler temperatures inland. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

With the increased west to northwest wind, temperatures dropped quickly after sunset Tuesday — enough to turn off the air conditioner and open the window. Weather observer Tyler Mode of Battle Ground recorded an early morning low Wednesday of 45 degrees. Downright chilly!

Portland had three straight days of 90 degree or better high temperatures, starting on Sunday. Vancouver only measured two highs at 90 or better and those were on Sunday and Monday. We were close on Saturday with 88 degrees and Tuesday with 89 degrees .

The warm temperatures have our average mean temperature at 67.6 degrees, six degrees above average. Our average high is only 72 degrees and even with the morning clouds the next several days, we should remain above that. The low clouds will thicken to about 3,000 feet by Friday, so they will take longer to burn off, resulting in cooler highs.

So when will it rain? Big question. One computer model I use indicates the storm track will slip far enough south to maybe give us some drizzle or light rain next Wednesday. I certainly wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. Keep the garden irrigation going.

I noticed during the hot spell this week that many plants and shrubs are already showing signs of dehydration. Several readers told me they are having to hand water many plants, which they never have had to do, especially this early in the year. Maybe we will get some good thundershowers off and on this summer. Or maybe one of those pesky low-pressure systems that like to linger for a couple days of steady rain. If so, I’m sure there will be no complaints.

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

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