A look at recent temperature and precipitation trends and what might come next

The following article was written by Michael Fagin. Fagin is an operational meteorologist providing weather forecasts to clients in the Pacific Northwest and providing custom forecast for groups climbing Mt. Everest and other major peaks. Fagin is also a travel writer with a focus on weather and wine. Read other articles by Fagin here. 

In our most recent update, we discussed weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest from mid-October through mid-January. Here, we look at recent temperature and precipitation trends since that time in the Columbia Valley and Willamette Valley. We also look at drought conditions and what might be in store for us this spring and give an early look into summer.

Recent temperature trends

Let’s start by looking at temperatures from the beginning of this year to April 1st. The map below is for the Tri-Cities Area, WA. (NOAA is the source.) The dark blue bars in the chart below are observations. Brown colors represent the average temperature range. Record heat is the red line above, and record cold is the blue line below.

Temperatures were generally below average from early to mid-February until about February 20th. Since then, temperatures were generally above average to average. There was a record heat one day at the end of March, and there were no record cold temperatures.

For Willamette Valley, which is represented below looking at Salem, we see some wide swings in temperatures, and at times, we briefly broke records for heat. There were also plenty of periods of below-average temperatures. So certainly, the area experienced a see-saw of temperatures during much of the winter and early spring.

Precipitation trends

Please login below to see full content or Subscribe Now to get immediate, full access to our ratings and reviews, review database, featured articles, and other subscriber-only content.

 

Do you enjoy Northwest Wine Report? If you do and haven’t subscribed already, please do so. This site is 100% subscriber funded and is my primary source of income. None of the content can be created without you subscribing. Subscribe here. It’s the cost per month of a cup of coffee and a crumpet.

To receive articles via email, click here.