The battle of the air masses. As is the usual scenario, the cold Arctic air is slower than computer models want to push it away. Cold air is heavy and settles into the Columbia Basin. Another Arctic blast is moving down from Canada, but this time it is following along the crest of the Rocky Mountains. However, some of the cold has filtered into western Montana and northern Idaho. If it drifts westward at all, some cold air will reach Spokane and may drift toward the Columbia Basin.
That is why looking at the series of weather systems heading our way and the cold air to the northeast, it may be Monday before we see a “normal” high temperature. That means highs in the low 40s and lows in the 30s.
With another wet storm moving inland from the Pacific today, that will cause the pressure gradients to welcome more of that cold east wind into the local area. How much makes it west of Interstate 5 is questionable, but I think some locations in the county may see freezing rain later today and tonight. Of course, closer to the Gorge is certain. It’ll be touch and go but even so, if it doesn’t freeze in your neighborhood, it will be chilly rain.
Oh, when will we be out of this, you say? Many would even settle for seasonable temperatures, which now are a high of 47 degrees and a low of 34 degrees, with that snow and ice retreating and staying put in the mountains. The older I get, it is still exciting to have a blast of winter but after a couple of days, let’s warm things up. The ski areas are always close by.
