Balanced

 

We remain in a very balanced weather pattern.  Sure, we’ll catch a few days of temps in the upper 80s to lower 90s; however, most afternoons should top out in the upper 70s to lower 80s between now and July 28.  

 

The warmest stretch out of the next 14 days will likely be this weekend.  Onshore flow will gradually increase heading into next week, so temps will be tapped down 5-8 degrees.  Morning marine clouds are possible at times next week.  Plenty of sunshine.

 

Another notch down in temperatures is likely after next weekend (July 17,18), as a weak trough will approach from the NW.  Coastal drizzle and delays in the sun’s 'burning off’ the marine cloud deck in western valleys will hold down temps to a bit below average July 19-24.  Warmer weather may arrive again after the 25th.  

 

NO RAIN is foreseen on the long-range charts.  Drat.  

 

Solemn Moment.  While the negative impact on agriculture from the recent historic PNW heat wave is still unfolding, regionally, the latest death toll figures are frankly staggering.  For WA, OR & BC the cumulative number of deaths has reached 680, 116 of those in OR alone (July 8, 2021 figures).  Seriously, what weather event or natural disaster in the PNW has caused that many deaths in the past?  Broken temperature records are one thing, but the huge loss of life is breathtaking.  How can we be better prepared?