Wednesday, November 17, 2010

La Nina

It's a La Nina year. Last year was an El Nino year... we had record highs in January and February. This year, in terms of climatic norms for the PNW, we can expect below average temperatures and above average precipitation. Looks like we may be off to an early start.
A COMPLEX...COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM THAT WILL MOVE INTO SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON TODAY AND LINGER NEAR THE COAST
INTO THE WEEKEND WILL LIKELY BRING THE COLDEST AIR OF THE SEASON
TO THE INTERIOR VALLEYS AND THE WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE.

RAIN COULD MIX WITH SNOW NEAR HOOD RIVER IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER
GORGE AS EARLY AS THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY MORNING. BUT THE MORE
SIGNIFICANT COLD AIR IS EXPECTED TO FILTER INTO SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON OVER THE WEEKEND...WITH A SECOND
SURGE POSSIBLE EARLY NEXT WEEK. IF THIS COLD ARCTIC AIR
MATERIALIZES...IT WILL BRING THE COLDEST AIR OF THE SEASON TO THE
AREA...WITH LOW TEMPERATURES POSSIBLY FALLING INTO AT LEAST THE
20S IN THE VALLEYS. IF ANY MOISTURE IS AVAILABLE...THIS COULD
ALSO BRING SNOW TO THE VALLEY FLOORS BY EARLY NEXT WEEK. WHILE A
LOT OF DETAILS ARE STILL UP IN THE AIR...NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME
TO MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR A SIGNIFICANT COLD SNAP BY PROTECTING
TENDER PLANTS...WRAPPING OUTDOOR FAUCETS...AND COVERING FOUNDATION
VENTS.

I don't mind a little snow, though I enjoyed much more when I was younger. It is awfully pretty, but it's getting so it's hazardous to me, and I don't tolerate cold as well, either. And "at least low 20's?" Eep!

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