By Rod Hill on 2011-01-23
The big weather story all of a sudden is an expected long dry stretch. With the exception of a slight chance of light rain Sunday and Monday, all models show dry weather all the way through the 7th day of February! The dry weather will be produced by a centered area of high pressure. The mid and upper atmosphere will see warm temperatures with the snow level rising to 10,000 feet!
The forecast assumption is for days of sunny skies with chilly lows and daytime highs in the 50s. The reality could be morning fog, low clouds become trapped under the inversion and afternoon highs only in the low 40s. For now, lets hope for sunny days with mild temperatures.
Mt. Hood will see days of clear skies. Warm temperatures up high will lead to a foot of melting snow - maybe more. The expected "monster" snow pack has not happened, despite the early start. Melting snow this coming week will likely drop the base at Skibowl to near 30 inches.
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Winter Outlook: February is expected to see below normal temperatures with above normal precipitation. The outlook through April calls for cooler than normal temperatures and an equal chance of above or below normal rainfall. Following our dry stretch of weather, forecast charts are hinting at cold, active weather Feb. 10-20th. We'll see!
Tied For Warmest Year On Record