Vancouver set a new rainfall record Friday with 1.30 inches. That’s remarkable for any day in June, especially when you consider that our precipitation records go back to 1856.
Other rainfall amounts around the county reached over 2 inches, enough to soak graduation ceremonies and other outdoor events.
It rained so hard for so long that it appeared it would never stop. But finally, by 5 a.m. Saturday, the rain gauge in Vancouver ceased to record additional precipitation.
More showers were forecast Saturday afternoon and evening, so the totals most likely inched upward a bit.
Today, showers are still in the forecast, so we are not ready to dry out quite yet. Monday should bring decreasing showers, mainly over higher terrain. Tuesday and Wednesday look dry and warm.
I hate to say, however, that forecast charts indicate more rain later in the week into next weekend. But that’s no surprise: We were warned that June would be wet and cooler than average.
I looked at the Lewis River reservoir levels Saturday, and all three are near full pools. With heavy rains and melting snow, we are in great shape with our water supplies.
You may have noticed the Columbia River if you were out and about on Saturday. It was nearing a minor flood stage but was expected to crest below that.
The last time it reached a minor flood stage was in the spring of 2017. There was a lot of debris floating downstream, and the river was off color.
Weather observer Chuck Houghten of Hockinson Heights reported his May rainfall to me Saturday and had this to say: “We had 7.36 inches of rain during May; however, after Friday’s deluge, we are now approaching 12 inches in that 42-day span since May 1.”
Dick Lenahan in the Meadow Glade area reported a record 1.87 inches of rain for Friday. He added, “As the deluge was upon us in the afternoon, our dog looked at me and was wondering what happened to his afternoon walk.” Ironic when it was raining cats and dogs outside, so to speak.
We’ll chat on Tuesday as we hang things up to dry. Take care.
