Weather Eye: Cloudy day may be intermission in week of sunny weather

What was up with those clouds and chilly temperatures Wednesday? Actually, it was rather normal for this time of the year. We were spoiled with all the springlike weather of late.

What happened was we had a weak weather disturbance move through and push cooler marine air inland. This would be the summertime equivalent of a “marine push.”

Skies brightened late in the day, with some peeks at the sunset. The ocean beaches were socked in but little moisture fell Wednesday. A few sprinkles or drizzle was possible today.

Higher pressure rebuilds for the weekend and another round of sunny weather. Temperatures may not be as warm as the last stretch but still in the 50s with east winds. There’s still no rain in sight in the short term.

It appears a major pattern change is shaping up for late next week and the beginning of March. We’ll iron out the details as we get closer. Hoping for lots of mountain snow.

Looking at the Web cams for Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics on Wednesday afternoon, the ground was bare of snow. Just plenty of brown grass. Wow, unusual for the middle of February. I would think the snow would be several feet deep.

Unless we get tons of snow in March and April, I can only imagine the effects of this. Low river flows, wildfires and economic impacts. I remember years ago living in Portland, we had to water on even and odds days during the summer due to low reservoir levels. We have underground wells here in Clark County however.

Last year on this date in Clark County, it was rainy and cool with temperatures in the mid 40s for highs. Heavy snow was falling in the Cascades, an answer to prayers after a snowless winter up there. Bring on March!

Patrick Timm is a local weather specialist. His column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. patricktimm.com

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