Weather Eye: Summer’s here, and finally so are warm, dry days

Summer officially began today, and the weather will be cooperating as well, so we have a good forecast coming up. It will be dry and warmer each day this week and if you like the heat, we could see our first 90-degree highs this weekend.

I’m looking forward to a long period of warm and dry weather but not 90 degrees or higher. Those would be good days to head to the coast and enjoy the sea breeze. When we reach 90 degrees for the first time this year it will be well past the average date of June 4, when we usually record a 90-degree high temperature.

Our last high temperature of 90 degrees or higher was on Aug. 15, 2021 with 93 degrees. That followed a high of 103 degrees two days earlier. A forecast high of 90 degrees this weekend is on the radar but not guaranteed. We’ll take another look in Thursday’s column.

If long-range forecast models are correct it is possible we’ll see no measurable rain the remaining days of June. Our tally so far is 3.22 inches, which is above average for the entire month, so we are good.

We are likely to see some morning clouds and afternoon sunshine each day as the high pressure is not solidly entrenched over the area. A couple of weak weather systems will slide down the British Columbia coast and try to give us clouds and spotty drizzle but right now I’m thinking any moisture will stay west of the coast range. There will be a good chance of drizzle each morning along the ocean beaches.

At least we have no worries about wildfires at the moment. This time last year we had hazy, smoky skies overhead along with hot temperatures.

Two years ago, on the first day of summer we had light rain and drizzle that cleared off late in the day exactly timed with the summer solstice. As the sun came out it was so humid it was difficult to breathe. The steam rose from the pavement offering an eerie afternoon event.

Enjoy summer upon its arrival early today and keep an eye on the horizon for possible hot weather. Meanwhile enjoy the 70- to 80-degree weather.