By Rod Hill on 2016-01-20
Tuesday's rainfall of more than .50 inches put PDX over 5.00" for the month as of January 19th. The average for the entire month is 4.88 inches. Forecast for steady rain this Thursday and the mid-part of next week could boost the January rain total to 7.00", giving Portland more than 22.00" of rain the last two months!
Assuming this season's strong El Nino replicates past events, we will see above normal rainfall continue through the month of March. If so, Portland would reach the annual water year average of 36.03 inches with a full 6 months to go until the water year ends Sept. 30th.
This above normal rainfall pattern continues the high risk of mudslides. There is some question as to if Mt. Hood snow levels will remain low enough for a good snowpack or slowly rise in the coming weeks.
The El Nino is expected to weaken this spring. April may kick-off a return to more normal rainfall amounts, meaning a drier weather pattern.
Rod Hill
Winter - Spring Months Outlook