Weather Eye: Highs in 60s next week, with rain chances moderate

I think before we talk about more rain on the horizon, let’s review rainfall for September from our friends and neighbors around the area. Bob Starr, Cougar, 1.50 inches; Jim Knoll, Five Corners, 1.72 inches; Robin Ruzek, Lake Shore, 1.84 inches; Chuck Houghten, Hockinson Heights, 1.74 inches; Tyler Mode, Battle Ground, 2.05 inches; Bob Mode, Minnehaha, 1.35 inches; Irv St. Germain, Prune Hill, 2.06 inches; Dick Lenahan, Meadow Glade, 1.74 inches; Dave Campbell, Amboy, 2.64 inches; Bill Sobolewski, Livingston Mountain, 1.39 inches; Ellen Smart, Ridgefield, 2.50 inches; and Judy Weber, near View, 2.40 inches. Our friend Roland Derksen in Vancouver, B.C., reported 2.04 inches. The official rainfall for Vancouver USA was 1.34 inches, 0.09 of an inch below average.

OK, on the horizon I see some showers moving through Sunday and possibly beyond.

Next week was looking rather unsettled with cool showers and some snow in the mountains.

Computer forecast models as I write this column are now moving much of the moisture south of our local area. This makes pinpoint forecasting difficult.

With the flow more onshore and moving down from the northern latitudes, I think our highs will remain below 60 degrees most of next week. I’ll keep the rain chances in the moderate category, meaning minor shifts in the upper wind flow can bring rainfall over Clark County.

In this pattern with chances of rain it also implies some breaks in the weather as well. Not a huge deluge in the offing.

Perhaps October still has a few treats for us in the last full week of the month. We’ll see and watch out for any tricks as well. Today is a good day to head to the pumpkin patch for some fun as Sunday should be on the damp side of things.

The National Climate Center has issued their winter outlook for us. For the months of December through February they say we will have above normal temperatures meaning a mild winter overall. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee we won’t get any snow or ice. Precipitation-wise we have equal chances of getting below or above average rainfall. They show the main rain belt to our south in California, which is usually the case with El Nino.