One of the Wettest Springs in Northwest History is Getting Wetter

This spring is really shaping up to be remarkable.   

Remarkably wet that is.   A wet April, a very wet May.  And it's not over.  

Today a strong atmospheric river is invading our region:  one that would be considered strong even in midwinter.

Here is the image of the atmospheric moisture plume from off the Pacific for 11 PM Friday.  Blues are VERY high values.  And as this moisture ascends our local terrain, the result is heavy rain.


With the moisture plume directly aimed at Oregon, the heaviest forecast precipitation is along the Oregon coast and western Oregon, but with lots of rain getting into northeast Oregon and SW WA.  Just where we need it.


The precipitation over the next week is amazing.  Another system will push moisture along the same pathway from the southwest.  For the entire week, the region and northern Idaho will get hit very hard, with totals over 3 inches in broad areas.  This is very unusual for middle June.  Importantly, some of the precipitation will get into northern CA, where precipitation is very much needed.



Looking further into the future, the latest European Center extended forecast for the next 30 days is, wetter than normal for the Northwest, which probably won't surprise anyone.

Drier than normal in California, which is not good.


And with all this precipitation, the National Drought Monitor, has FINALLY dropped the severe drought over Washington State.  About time.  More on that in a future blog.




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