A weak weather system rolled through yesterday right on schedule with plenty of clouds, some light drizzle and showers. Most rainfall amounts here in the lowlands were a tenth of an inch or less. All those clouds kept the sunshine at bay, and highs in the afternoon — even with some partial clearing in the evening — remained in the 50s. Below average for sure. The front held together better here in the western valleys as rainfall amounts along the Washington coast were half as much as we measured locally.
Skies will slowly clear later today, and we will see fair skies through Tuesday. One more weak weather system arrives later Tuesday night and Wednesday. There is a possibility we have heavier rain, about a quarter inch if it holds together. Regardless, we go back to fair and dry weather later Thursday through Saturday.
Bottom line is rainfall amounts are not enough to water your plants and lawn, so keep the grounds watered as we slowly slip into a drought-like situation. The extended outlook for the next couple of months point to below average rainfall. Where have we heard that before?
As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Vancouver had only reached 53 degrees for a high temperature. One year ago, on that date, we enjoyed a high of 76 degrees. Just goes to show you what a thick cloud deck and a cool air mass from Canada can do in the month of April.
As I mentioned earlier about watering, we haven’t had that usual pattern of April showers, so you will have to assist Mother Nature in that process to ensure those May flowers.
In 2011, I wrote this: “Another freeze in the offing tonight. Already down into the 30s. It snowed off and on all day in Spokane. Weather to slowly dry out and warm ever so slightly, and maybe, just maybe, 60 degrees coming up. Wow! It is only mid-April you know.”
Yes, April is a fickle month and can still play tricks on us weather-wise, as those of us who have lived here a while know. Enjoy the return to fair weather, and we’ll chat on Tuesday.
Source: https://www.columbian.com
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