The satellite imagery visible this morning was impressive: it looks like something one could see in mid-autumn (see below).
The vortex of clouds involves a strong center of low pressure offshore, with a substantial plane surrounding and then extending off the Washington coast. That front will reach the western hinterland around dinner time, bringing heavier rain.
Meanwhile, a weak band of clouds/rainfall has passed this morning, bringing about 1/3 inch to the coast and light rain inland (see totals so far this morning below).
Radar this morning shows remnants of a weak first band and a MUCH stronger front band offshore. Pretty impressive for the end of July.
Much more rain is expected later today, as suggested by the latest UW WRF model of cumulative rainfall through 5 a.m. Tuesday. Eastern Washington will be covered with waterfalls.
Next week will be relatively cool, as a low pressure trough will be parked offshore, as indicated by the European Center’s overall forecast for upper elevation at 500 hPa (as pressure) verified on Saturday night. You’ll notice ridges inland, which will involve above-normal temperatures on the Great Plains.
Central Europe’s surface temperature forecast for the next five days is cooler than normal (in blue) in the Northwest and BC, but hot in New Mexico, Texas and the High Plains–an inversion of the pattern experienced earlier this summer.
I should have known it was going to rain after I decided to paint the fence on Sunday…
