Coldest May-July on Record in Western Lowlands

The May-July (3 month period) stats are in from NCDC…

This was the 3rd coldest late spring/early summer period on record averaged across the entire Pacific Northwest. Notice how far that last dot on the right is below the line. The last time we had such a cool period was 1954. AND, Oklahoma’s statewide July temp of 88.9 degrees was the hottest of ANY STATE FOR ANY MONTH in the USA’s record. The previous Oklahoma record was…1954!  Clearly a similar pattern with a cool West and hot Eastern USA that year as well.

West of the Cascades in the western Valleys (Portland, Salem, Eugene), it has been the coldest such period on record as you can see in the graph below:

Obviously we’ve had colder one or two month periods (July was only a little below average west of the Cascades), the continuously below average temps for such a long period really did the trick.

By the way, this was the 4th warmest July and 4th warmest month on record here in the USA, even with a chilly Pacific Northwest.

Chief Meteorologist Mark Nelsen

Coastal Radar Almost Operational

I saw this on Cliff Mass’s Blog today.  A sample image from the new Washington Coast radar.  Looks like it’ll be all ready for the coming storm season this winter.

 

Chief Meterologist Mark Nelsen

Back from Vacation: Missed a Picture!

Cleaning up the Inbox after 17 days off of work (still employed too as far as I know)…found this gem of a pic from Gabor Gardonyi.  Taken two weeks ago near Memaloose State Park.  Nice shot of lightning striking the Columbia River.

And, after those 17 days off, I see nothing has changed weatherwise, a trough still resides along the West Coast with varying amounts of mornings clouds/afternoon sun continuing. 

Chief Meteorologist Mark Nelsen