Groundhog prediction may be correct - an early spring!
By Rod Hill on 2024-02-06.
Let me begin by saying near normal temperatures with below normal rainfall is in the forecast for Portland and Salem through the first 15 days of February. The normal climate high for the period in the mid to north Willamette Valley is low 50s, meaning near normal is pretty comfortable. Also, normal to below normal rainfall will seem quite dry when compared to the 18.16" of total precipitation that fell in Portland from December 1st through the month of January. Total precipitation the last two months is 7.36" above normal or nearly 170% of normal, making for an extra 6 weeks of rainfall.
Meteorologist Rod Hill
Tuesday Storm To Bring Freezing Rain
By Rod Hill on 2024-01-15.
Today's sunny break will quickly end as another winter storm arrives Tuesday. The main concern tomorrow afternoon and into the night will be freezing rain and ice accumulation on roadways and surfaces. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch Tuesday and Tuesday night for the freezing rain threat (shown in blue on the map). Notice the watch area does not include immediate coastal areas where rain is expected, but does extend northward into Cowlitz county and through the west gorge into Hood River. Areas east of Hood River are expected to see snow.
Rod's Winter Outlook 2023-2024
By Rod Hill on 2023-11-06.
This winter's outlook is centered on the high confidence projection from NOAA that El Nino conditions will continue through March of 2024. The recent El Nino in 2015-2016, brought the wettest month on record for Portland, leading to flooding and one of the strongest tornadoes on record in Washington.
--------------------------------------------------------
Mt. Hood Snow Outlook:
I want to be clear that El Nino winters do not favor a bonus snowpack season, but past history also does not favor an historically poor season. Notice the poorest snowpack seasons since 2000 have been Neutral years, not El Nino. Here is hoping for at least 70% of normal snowpack this winter!
Happy winter everyone, this concludes my Winter Outlook for 2023-2024. The headline for Portland is a mild winter with little to no sticking snow. Remember there is a heightened ice storm chance.
A special thank you to my wife Gracen for putting together the graphic presentation and showing great patience during the many hours of this research project.
Rod Hill
May Sets Records For Hot Weather, Lack Of Rain
By Rod Hill on 2023-06-01.
Record May Heat
By Rod Hill on 2023-05-15.
Portland is setting daily record high temperatures as well as breaking records for warmest overnight low temperatures for the month of May. The low on this Monday, May 15th is reported as 63 degrees, which would break the record of 62 for warmest low temperature all-time. The record will need to be verified on today's final climate report.
Winter Storm Watch Monday - Tuesday Morning
By Rod Hill on 2023-02-12.
Low snow levels Monday ovenight
By Rod Hill on 2023-02-11.
Arctic Air, Snow Track Update
By Rod Hill on 2023-01-25.
Valley Wind Advisory, Heavy Rain Coming
By Rod Hill on 2022-12-26.
Ice Storm likely to hit Thursday afternoon
By Rod Hill on 2022-12-20.