Weather Eye: Hazel Dell Parade of Bands adds yet another dry day to its run

Not that I was sweating it too much early Saturday morning, but as the gray skies began to release a little light rain, I paid attention. As 10 a.m. rolled around — just 30 minutes before parade time in Hazel Dell — there was still some light drizzle.

Then, as we have seen many, many times, the clouds lifted and the precipitation ceased as the bands began to march. Right on cue. Yes! The Parade of Bands in Hazel dodged another dismal day and as is usually the case it was basically dry for the run of the parade. There were even some sun-breaks and peeks of blue sky, and great temperatures for the parade-goers and participants as well. Strike up the bands another year!

Next comes the three-day Memorial Day weekend — no, wait, we’d better discuss the week first.

I mentioned the other day that this week could get chilly, and sure enough, forecast models have it locked in pretty well. After a nice day Monday, a very cold upper-level low drops in out of the Gulf of Alaska and lowers snow levels below the passes, so if you head to the mountains Tuesday through Thursday for an early camping spot, you could run into snow and frost.

We may struggle to even reach the mid-50s Wednesday and may set a new record for lowest high temperature. If we get any clearing Tuesday or Wednesday night — though I expect plenty of clouds — temperatures will fall quickly, in some areas even into the 30s.

We’re still a ways off but the weekend looks like lots of clouds and a chance of rain, with temperatures still below normal. Oh, as a kid I camped in the rain for so many Memorial Days.

See you Tuesday. I’ll be wearing my jacket for sure!

Patrick Timm is a local weather specialist. His column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Reach him at Weather Systems.