NORTH SOUND, AUG. 14: After some recent hot days, are you ready for some rain? Rain is what is in the forecast for late this week, with high temperatures struggling to reach an unseasonably cool 70 degrees.
Driving this rather dramatic change in the weather is a North Pacific weather system that is entraining leftover moisture from former tropical storm Henriette. Henriette recently passed well north of Hawaii and will help ‘juice up’ this North Pacific weather system as it moves into the Pacific Northwest and the North Sound late this week.
The wettest day looks to be Friday, Aug. 15. Current forecasts place North Sound lowland rain amounts in the one-half to one inch range, with the mountains getting closer to two or more inches of rain – a nice summer soaker.
So far this year, it has been exceptionally dry. As of mid-week this week, Everett-Paine Field had a rain deficit of more than 12 and a half inches. The North Sound and nearly all of the state are in the moderate to severe drought category according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The rain will bring several benefits. Gardens, yards, and more will soak in nature’s irrigation. The rain will also wash away the smoke from the Mason County wildfires that have invaded the region this week. The rainfall should also dampen those Mason fires and ease local wildfire conditions, at least for a time.
The rain also brings some downsides. Despite the brief rainfall a week ago, oil buildup on roads remains. Oil and water do not mix, meaning wet roadways have a greater potential to be slicker than usual. Take it easy on the roads and allow plenty of room between you and the car ahead of you.
Another downside is the burn scar from the 2022 Bolt Creek wildfire along the Stevens Pass Highway. Enough rain in a relatively short period of time could create mudslides. Crews will be watching this potential situation.
Some are asking, does this wet August weather mean the end of summer? Not yet! After this weather system tracks inland, higher pressure aloft is set to build over the Pacific Northwest for a drying trend this weekend and a return of some sunshine. By next week, high temperatures are anticipated to warm back into the 70s with even more sunshine that will likely extend to at least the end of the month.
So, summer weather will not be over. Yet enjoy the cooler, wet August weather and if driving, take it easy on the roads.
