Weather Eye: Chill in the air hits as we close out dry October

The ski resorts are thinking it is about time to build the Cascade snow pack, and Mother Nature seems to be lining up the arsenal. After the dusting on Sunday more snow will fall, beginning this weekend in earnest, and carry through at least the first two weeks of November.

This morning it was expected to be in the 20s in the outlying regions and below freezing even in the Vancouver city limits. Definitely frost on the pumpkin. Monday afternoon the National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for Clark County.

Could be another chilly night tonight into Wednesday morning before clouds roll in from a weak weather system for a chance of showers. Expect a break Friday and then wet for the weekend and beyond with good snows in the Cascades.

My geraniums outside were still blooming in the hazy sunshine on Monday afternoon. With colder weather on tap, I may have to replace them with pansies or something. At least the freeze should help take care of those nasty stink bugs that have been clinging to my house.

Despite the dabbles of rain Sunday and the expected moisture later Wednesday and Thursday, we should go into the record books as a drier than average October. Monday we were running 1.50 inches below average. It was cooler than normal as well.

But overall we had a nice run of fair weather this month so no complaints. I guess we can navigate November with a bit more rain, huh? At least our weather is on the calm side compared to the big storm that hit the United Kingdom with winds close to 100 mph. I’m sure our coastline will encounter a few big storms this winter.

So if you haven’t grabbed a pumpkin yet for Thursday do it today or tomorrow. At least you should remain dry if heading outside to the pumpkin patch.