Wednesday was the first day of the first month of the meteorological summer for us weather and climate individuals. And it didn’t disappoint.
Despite higher clouds streaming across the Northwest, afternoon temperatures inched upward to the 80-degree mark for the first time this year in many locations.
Low 80s were common in the Columbia Basin farm belt where those luscious watermelons are growing, along with other products that we enjoy in the local farmers markets. We do need more sunshine and warmer temperatures.
But yet another cold trough of low pressure will move toward us on Friday. Showers will be scattered about, but the real rain arrives Saturday, with showers and thunderstorms following on Sunday.
How much rain will fall this weekend? At least 1 inch — enough to keep your lawn watered for a week or so.
Highs today will remain above normal, in the upper 70s, before cooling off about 10 degrees Friday and a couple more degrees over the weekend. Early next week, we’ll dry out a little as higher pressure tries to move over us.
One good aspect of this weekend’s storm: A portion will slide across Northern California and drop much-needed rain in Southern Oregon and southward. I hope they get a soaker.
You and I will be in the bull’s eye as an atmospheric river of sorts aims right at us — very unusual for early June.
I don’t think this is like the typical Rose Festival low that often sets up over us with rain or showers for days on end. This rainy weather will be moving eastward with a break behind it.
But still, June is expected to continue our wet weather pattern of May and the previous months.
The official high temperature in Vancouver as of 5 p.m. Wednesday was 79 degrees. Our last 80-degree high was on Sept. 25, 2021, when we reached 82 degrees.
It was entirely possible that Wednesday’s high in Vancouver inched upward to 80 degrees, which is common now with the higher sun angle. Our highs are often between 5 and 6 p.m.
Get outdoor chores accomplished now, folks. It will be a wet weekend.
