I had to sit back as I wrote my column and chuckle as I saw that pesky east wind was still blowing through our area, keeping afternoon temperatures Friday in the low to mid-40s. If you were far enough away from the Columbia, you may have been in the low 50s.
I don’t want to jinx the forecast, but south winds should hold fast through the weekend and push temperatures to 60 degrees Sunday and Monday.
That would definitely be springlike, don’t you think? My daffodils are bursting through the soil at a rapid pace after the soil thawed out from our recent deep freeze. With heavy rain Friday and into early today, the standing water in the fields and retaining ponds will surely entice the frogs to sing their melody. Listen carefully outside on Sunday and Monday evenings.
With a mild air mass over us, snow levels will be above the ski resorts for a while, causing a rapid snowmelt. Rivers will be on the rise for sure, but no flooding is expected.
On Sunday, we will be in between storms, and the sun may shine a bit as the rain stays at bay. I may attempt to wash my vehicle and get all that snow and ice grime off. But then it’s back to rain as we begin the new week.
Looking ahead to the new month unfolding later next week, freezing levels will lower and we’ll go back to a more normal winter regime, with snow at pass levels and above. Rain is on tap for the lowlands, and temperatures will behave according to the climatology averages.
We may see some overnight frosty conditions in those first 10 days or so of February when skies clear overnight. As usual for this weatherman, I have my winter coat (with gloves stashed in the pockets) and a spring jacket hanging by the front door. As a last resort, my raincoat is taking up space there as well. I’m prepared.
“Farewell we call to hearth and hall! Though wind may blow, and rain may fall. We must away ere the break of day. Far over wood and mountain tall.”
—J.R.R. Tolkien
