Weather Eye: Each season has its attributes, but fall is always a gem

We managed to squeeze in yet another fine day Saturday, with afternoon temperatures in the low 80s. Yes, that is above average for the date.

Clouds will increase today ahead of a weak cold front that will produce some light showers and steady light rain in the late afternoon or, most likely, evening hours. It will rain off and on overnight tonight and Monday. Another system arrives Monday night and keeps the showers going through Tuesday.

I expect that here in the city, rainfall amounts will be 0.5 to 1 inch between now and early Wednesday morning. Our friends in the foothills will measure heavier amounts. There is also an outside chance we get a thunderstorm; if we do, wherever that decides to travel, expect heavier rainfall amounts. The same drill as last weekend.

I don’t believe this is the beginning of a long wet period, as some forecast models show us drying out, and the first weekend of October could be much warmer again. Stay tuned for updates on Tuesday.

Vancouver’s rainfall tally so far this month as of Saturday was 2.94 inches. This next batch of moisture could put us at 4 inches. After months and months of paltry rainfall, could this be the start of a new trend? At least, it should be the end of the wildfire season for sure.

It was hot on Friday, with Vancouver topping out at 88 degrees, which tied for the warmest high for the month on Sept. 4 and Sept. 8. Our average mean temperature is 78.7 degrees, 1.8 degrees above normal — a warm but certainly not dry month.

On Friday, September — part summer and part fall — passes the weather reins over to October.

Years ago, I polled readers about their favorite season, and fall was the winner. Each season has its attributes, but a colorful autumn in the Pacific Northwest is a gem.

“October gave a party, The leaves by hundreds came; The ashes, the oaks and maples, And those of every name.”

— George Cooper