It felt more like early winter Saturday with highs only in the mid-40s which will be the case today as well. We cool a few degrees on Presidents Day and then Tuesday through Thursday we struggle to reach 40 degrees as cold easterly winds usher in some modified arctic air. Skies should be mostly sunny, but those wind chills will deter any warmth from the sunshine.
Showers will continue today with snow falling in the mountains. The snow level slowly drops overnight with sticking snow possible on the coast range passes. The good news for those that hate snow here in the city is moisture dries up Monday night, so when east winds usher in colder air we will be dry. In wind sheltered areas, lows will be in the 20s with upper teens possible in our colder outlying locations. Along the Columbia, winds will keep low temperatures up but of course will make it feel colder.
As we begin to “warm up” late in the week, some forecast models indicate we could see some snowflakes before light rain and temperatures in the upper 40s take over. Winter is acting out its part on stage with spring waiting in the wings. So far, winter has had a lackluster performance this season and even though old man winter blows a last breath this week, it still will be below anything noteworthy.
Of course, any time we get lows in the 20 to 25-degree range that can be harmful to some early spring plants that have been showing their emergence to the new season yet at hand. The main effect of this brief cold spell will be the low humidity that will tend to dry foliage out quickly. I used to spray my plants so they would be ice covered to protect them from the cold, dry, bitter air. Remember if you do, afterward, remove the hose, and cover the faucet.
