It almost felt like springtime, at least in my Salmon Creek neighborhood away from the east winds and a high temperature of 48 degrees Wednesday. For those of you in east county and in the Gorge, not so much. My overnight low early Wednesday was 31.5 degrees, probably the last subfreezing temperature for a while.
The southern storm track will inch northward and is forecast to bring a shot of rain or showers today and should ease the east wind. The cold air will retreat to the central Columbia River Gorge. Speaking of those east winds, there was lots of tree damage Tuesday in the Portland area, mostly with downed trees and power lines. Winds at Crown Point reached nearly 100 mph and 40-45 mph in east Clark County and Portland.
Snow levels will be rather high for the next five days and limited moisture until next week. It appears our high temperatures this weekend and going into next week will be in the 50s, above the seasonal averages.
The ski season may have to wait a while longer. The only ski area operating that I heard of was Mount Bachelor. Mount Hood Meadows is closed until further notice. They may get a couple inches up there Saturday but then warm temperatures and moderate rainfall.