Warm weather anticipated

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-January through early April. 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 summer

Recent temperature trends

Washington

First, let’s look at temperatures from the beginning of April to mid-June. The map below is for the Tri-Cities area in Washington. (NOAA is the source.) The dark blue bars in the chart below represent observations, while the brown colors indicate the average temperature range. Record heat is the red line above, and record cold is the blue line below.

For much of the period since April, temperatures have been above average or close to average. There were several days in June that were close to record heat. Also, there were no frost issues over this period.

Growing Degree Days (GDD), a measure of heat accumulation, in the map below are just slightly above the long-term average. The green line is GDD for this year, and the brown line is the average. (GDD is calculated by subtracting a base temperature of 50 degrees from the average daily temperature and summing the positive differences over time.)

Oregon

For the Willamette Valley, represented below,

If you haven’t already subscribed to Northwest Wine Report, now is the time! This site is 100% subscriber funded and is my primary source of income. None of the content can be created without your subscription. Subscribe here. It’s the cost per month of a cup of coffee and a crumpet. To those who have subscribed, thank you! You power this site.

To receive articles via email, click here.