The second half of Monday was a day not fit for man or beast. A large storm moved onto the Pacific West Coast, bringing high winds and moderate to heavy rain. Warm southerly winds shot the freezing level well over 6,000 feet and rain fell upon the freshly fallen snow of the weekend.
After showers end tonight, high pressure moves overhead and saturates us with plenty of sunshine and dry weather for the rest of the week. OK, probably through the weekend and beyond. Dry weather until Thanksgiving? Maybe.
What a turnaround from the long-range forecast charts of several weeks ago that indicated a cool and wet pattern the last half of the month. That is out the window. Now computer models suggest dry weather and no big change in the weather pattern until December. That means the ski areas may not open over Thanksgiving. Bummer. And Thanksgiving arrives late this year, on Nov. 28.
With the dry weather approaching it appears we will see easterly winds out of the Gorge that will add a chill in the air. Overnight lows in the sheltered areas will drop into the 20s with low dew points. Windy areas will be above freezing but of course feel much colder. If you live in a wind-sheltered location, I would say it is the last hurrah to any outdoor cold-sensitive plants. My geraniums and lavender are still blooming outside.
