Northwest Rainy Season Returns, Falling Snow Levels Ahead

It’s been fun, hasn’t it? 

A walk in the afternoon sun. 

The Oregon Zoo without any rain gear.

And practically planning on dry Northwest weather because that’s just the way it is. Or, at least, that’s the way it was!

I asked those of you on the Bruce Sussman Facebook Weather Page  if you’re ready for the return of the rainy season.

Laura says, “Sure. I’ve had this inexplicable urge to go on walks, bike rides and runs lately. Rain will fix that.” Mike seems okay with it, “As long as it ends before July.” But my favorite idea is from Ruth. “I think it should rain only at night when we’re asleep. And be sunny in the daytime.” Now there’s one of the best weather ideas I’ve heard in a long time!

Oregon & Washington Rainy Season Starts Again Saturday Night

• A fairly mild rain moves in around evening time - windy, too – 40-50mph gusts, inland – then it’s wet Saturday night & parts of Sunday
• Another wet & breezy system moves in Monday – Valentine’s Day
• Showers follow on Tuesday (I’m wondering about small hail or thunder)

Watch For Falling Snow Levels This Coming Week

• Snow levels fall Tuesday, at least to the foothills of the Cascades
• As of now, it looks to me like the lowest snow levels this week will be Wednesday - Friday mornings, with flakes flying down to 1,000′ or so. Right now, not too much to get excited about. But after a whole lot of nothin’ this winter I’m guessing we might freak out at the site of any flakes!

One thing I am wondering about is whether this signals a shift in the Winter 2010-2011 trends we’ve already talked about this season. Or will another extended dry stretch suddenly appear again and our trends stay on track.

Hmmm. Stay tuned weather fans, stay tuned!