Karl's Weather Discussions

After one heavy rain event during the 3rd weekend of September, the Pacific Northwest is currently wrapping up a second wet spell.  This one was not quite as wet for most of the Portland metro area; however, it was definitely more “stormy” as weather nerds would define it.  We had a particularly massive downpour yesterday (Monday) from a squall line that moved through the area around 4pm.  I was working indoors when it happened; but could hear the heavy raindrops…

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Hard to believe we’re only a few hours away from the first heavy rain event in Portland, since last winter!  It’s been an incredibly dry 6 1/2 months; our spring (March-May) was by far the driest on record, and we’ve seen less than one-tenth an inch of measurable rain at PDX since mid-June!  Many trees are going to be stressed by this unusually dry growing season; I can see that a number of oak and maple trees have already begun…

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Hopefully you were able to make the most out of this chaotic and hot summer!  While I didn’t get to go storm chasing or camping or any “top tier” activities, I did get in several one- to two-day trips, including three visits to the Oregon Coast, a memorable road trip to Crater Lake, and an overnight stay in Seattle.  I also endured one of the two hottest summers in Portland’s history, roughly on par with the historic summer of 2015.  …

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