The cold weather pattern is progressing as planned and it will take its usual slow pace and snow levels will slowly fall as we slide into Christmas Day. By early next week we have a massive arctic air mass over southern British Columbia along the border.
Meanwhile, a couple of weak weather systems will slide down the British Columbia coast and push moist ocean air over us with a southerly breeze in the lower levels and keep the coldest air at bay for a while.
The challenge for weather forecasters after looking at the forecast models and maps isn’t if, but when will the “real” arctic air arrive here in the lowlands west of the Cascades? Looking in detail at the latest maps, it is ominous.
But when you say? Well, it reminds me about an experience I had on the north Oregon Coast years ago fishing the Necanicum River east of Seaside. I ventured around a large thicket of blackberries to fish a good spot I know. I rounded the blackberries and I stumbled upon a large black bear. A couple things were not in my favor: she had cubs, I was in hip boots, a creel full of trout and a fishing rod in my other hand. We stood there and looked at each other for what seemed like eternity. I could see the potential there and I waited for something to happen. I now look at the bitter cold mass of arctic air to our north and wonder OK, when will it make its move? Will it remain stationary, retreat or lunge toward us?
