Wet, Cool Winter-Like Weather in June

During the next week or so, the weather will be more reminiscent of February than June, with lots of rain and MUCH colder than normal temperatures.  

Reservoirs, already above normal, will be topped off, streamflows will be substantially enhanced, and soils moistened.

Let's begin by looking at the predicted precipitation totals (by the European Center Model).

Through Friday, some regional light rain (see below)

The totals through Tuesday morning are getting serious, with windward (western) slopes and higher terran of the region wetted by as much as 2-3 inches.

Values of cumulative precipitation over the next 15 days are quite extraordinary, with substantial rain even falling over eastern Washington.

Now I will show you something hard to believe.  

A very, very strong atmospheric river will be aimed right at us on Sunday evening (a measure of the amount of water moved by the atmospheric river is shown). 

Just stunning.

Not only will it be wet, but much colder than normal, which reduces evaporation considerably and encourages water to percolate into the soil.  

Below is the forecast difference of temperature from normal for the next five days.  

Brrr! The whole region is 3-6F colder than normal,

Next five days?   Double Brrr!   The entire region remains cold!

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is going for wetter than normal for their 5-10 day forecast:

And the NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center predicts that local rivers will rise substantially.  For example, consider the Yakima River, which is of prime interest these days.  Big jump upwards.

Having an extended cool, wet period at this time of the year is extremely favorable for both water supply and agriculture.   

Hopefully, the "extreme drought" hype will fade now.