March 12, 8 AM
Pineapple Express
A Pineapple Express is heading our way and we are awaiting the rain to arrive. For those who don't know what these are, it is basically a "fire hose" of rain aimed right at us, and the "hose" is connected to the hydrant down around Hawaii. A steady river of moisture that taps into the subtropics, so a lot of moisture is entrained into the flow, and it is also much warmer than our typical Gulf of Alaska systems. You can imagine the difference in air mass temperatures between Alaska and Hawaii. Hmmm. These events occur periodically during the winter months for us, maybe only once or twice. As the warm, moisture-rich air hits our mountains it really can drop a lot of rain, I think this one could produce 4-7 inches, often causing river flooding. Thus, a flood watch is posted now for several of our western Washington rivers.
But so far you couldn't tell by looking outside. There is a heavy overcast this morning, but nary a drop of rain so far for us. Radar does show a lot of rain out over the Olympics (the Rainforest out there will live up to its name, I am sure) and it is forecast to drop eventually over us here in the central Sound region, and rain will continue into Wed or Thursday. It is currently 50 degrees this morning, warmer than so many of our recent highs, so the Pineapple effect is being felt, even without the rain along with it; yet. I'm looking forward to a good soaking. We haven't had much rain at all for quite awhile now. Dull weather that needs some pop.
We've been busy working on several different sets of taxes lately, so glad to have most of it done now. And more estate issues from my mom to continue with as well. It all keeps the days rolling by.
March 6, 10 PM
Well, it did rain today. A total to this pointin the day of .45" rain. And the high was only 45, so with the several hours of light rain, heavy clouds, and chilly damp air, not a very nice day, I'd say.
March 5, 9:45 PM
I thought it was going to rain today, but, no it did not. Only some spritzy sprinkles this afternoon that were few and random. But it was cloudy all day and when I ran in and out of the car a few times, more of a jacket would have been nice that just long sleeves and a light vest. The high was 54 but when there really isn't any sun, that temperature doesn't do a lot for me. I'm looking now for more sun and warmer warmth. Getting more anxious to leave winter behind.
March 2, 10:50 PM
A Twist to the Day
Today hasn't been as dull as so many of the recent days after all. It surely has been a day in two parts. The first part of the day was pretty benign, and it warmed up quite pleasantly - I think maybe the warmest it has been this year. Just before noon we reached our high of 58 degrees! It felt nice for the few minutes I was out there. I wish I stayed longer. I saw a neighbor doing a little yardwork and the thought crossed my mind to get out and do the same, but in the end I didn't.
By the middle of the afternoon the cold front started to sweep across, it got quite dark, the rain came (even a little hail), and the temperature dropped 15 degrees by 4 pm. We were running in the low 40's before dinner time and the rain kept on going, and is still going. A Puget Sound Convergence Zone set up over us, holding the rain in one narrow band. The temperature has fallen further, down to the current 38, and the rainiest day in a long time has us at a current total of .46". So, the day provided a little zip and interest after all!
March 1, 10 AM
I think I would have to say that March is coming in like a lion. Heavy overcast, .14" rain overnight with more threatening, overhead clouds within the overcast scudding by with some urgency, and so far just a very gloomy looking morning. It is a little warmer, currently 50 degrees.
This has been the recent pattern. After a few hints of coming spring a week or so ago, this week has been cloudy and damp again. The bare trees and gray skies don't look at all like spring. At this time we are not moving forward at all, and it could be argued we have taken a step back. No big change is in sight either. This look is set to continue into next week at least. Monday does show some sun, but that is the only day in the next week's forecast with such a bright spot on the forecast square. Well, it still is winter and can't argue that yet. As a sidenote, it is warming up a bit, but without the sun it doesn't seem to matter much.
I have been busy cleaning the house and happily clearing drawers and closets too. That does make a person feel lighter and less weighed down, which if the weather won't do it, finding another way works too!
FEBRUARY IN REVIEW:
Average High: 49
Average Low: 38
Warmest Temp: 55 (Feb 25)
Coldest Temp: 31 (Feb 8)
Coldest High Temp: 43 (Feb 2 and 21)
Wettest Day: Feb. 16 (.33" rain)
Days of Measurable Precipitation: 19 (however 13 of those had less than .10")
Total Rain for February: 1.99"
Note: I see that officially Seattle is over 3 inches below normal for rain from Jan. 1 - March 1. Our 9th driest year for this time period since 1945. Last February saw 4.01" rain and a much bigger swing of temperatures than this year. Last year ranged from 25 to 63, but also included snow and much more rain in the same number of rainy days.
March 1
Sunrise: 6:48 AM --- Sunset: 5:54 PM (PST)
(tomorrow we will gain 3 min, 26 sec)
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I wouldn't have thought so dry there this year. I suppose, not so much dry as not so wet? Looks like maybe a cooler than norm spring coming up for you. We are yo yo-ing a bit here, 80s today and tomorrow, maybe mid 60s by middle of next week. No rain, though. So you were a bit under 50% for rain last month, I think we were around 30%. A dry Feb.
Looking forward to time change and more evening light.
Have a nice weekend!
Like you, I got the cleaning bug. I actually sweated a bit on this balmy day as I cleared a bunch of stuff from a spare room closet and made several trips out to the garage to load it into the car. Tomorrow, I'll donate books and craft supplies to the Visiting Nurses Thrift Store in Centralia.
The weather people are calling for a pattern change which means we will come out of the deep freeze and snow and warm up over the next week. The forecast doesn't have any precipitation in the 8 day forecast for our area. Sunshine also appears to be making an appearance after almost zero available sunshine in February. I talked to the mail carrier yesterday' and he said the worst is behind us, I will be optimistic and agree!
WOW, 50 inches of snow for JV, that would be like 4 inches of rain - I'd take that!
March 11
Looks like your week will be opposites with us, we should be close to 80 all week and very sunny. My Santa Rosa plum is in full bloom and the navel orange should be in a couple weeks. Can't wait for that smell!! Have a nice week.
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