By Gordon McCraw, Meteorologist for the Tillamook County Pioneer
A low pressure area dropped down into British Columbia and this flattened the ridge over us today and the combination increased the onshore flow that pushed in the clouds overnight, and kept us breezy and cooler today.
We stay a little breezy with northwesterly winds tonight and the marine clouds stay mainly offshore, bringing us mostly clear skies tonight, the winds northwesterly 8-12, lows near 47.
It looks like the pattern will be pretty much zonal, or west to east, over the weekend so Saturday and Sunday look sunny with north to northwesterly winds 8-12, still gusty in the afternoon, highs near 69, with mostly clear nights, lows near 49.
By Monday, the low pressure area that moved across to our north in Canada, is well inland which enables the ridge to our west to build and drift eastward, bringing us continued sunny skies and some warmer temperatures. The good news for us … we continue to see the onshore flow which allows the marine influence to give us temperatures that are nearly 20 degrees less than what the valley will be seeing. Monday is looking sunny and 71 at the coast while Tuesday the 4th, the high temperature here peaks at 77 before moderating Wednesday when the high temperature is only 73, then with mostly sunny skies Thursday, with another trough approaching, and the marine clouds starting to return, the high only near 68. The nights see mainly clear skies with lows around the mid 50s.
As I had mentioned, the temperature over in the valley will be elevated next week also, with the warmest days being Tuesday and Wednesday, with the highs approaching the upper 90s but it looks like outside of that, the valley will be in the low 90s all week.
All of this brings many safety concerns. With the prolonged dry period we have had, the fire dangers are naturally increasing. Throw in the dangers associated with the 4th of July fireworks, and the stronger westerly winds, the fire dangers increase even more. Then there is the heat dangers, wear sunscreen outdoors, drink plenty of water, take plenty of breaks if you are working or exercising outdoors, and DO NOT leave pets or children in your vehicle as the temperature rapidly reach dangerous levels in the sun, even with the windows partially down. Next, we move into water safety concerns, wear lifejackets when/where appropriate. If swimming in the ocean, watch for rip currents which are a yearlong hazard at our beaches. Know what to do should you get caught in one. Keep an eye on your children around water as it only takes a second of distraction and your fun can take a tragic turn.
Enjoy the weekend folks. The coast is likely to be a busy one with it being a long weekend for many, then throw in the heat in the valley as compared to the cooler coast. Remember to be patient and courteous! I will provide a Monday forecast but take off Tuesday the 4th to enjoy Independence Day with friends also.
Be safe all…..