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Big Pacific Northwest Warmup Coming Just In Time For Father's Day, Solstice Celebrations

Andrei Pungovschi)
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AP Photo
Naked bikers ride during the 19th Annual Fremont Solstice Parade, Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Seattle.

Last week brought heavy rain showers with cooler temps and even some snow to the mountains in places. But that’s changing as high pressure builds over the region, allowing a big warmup just in time for summer solstice celebrations this weekend and Father’s Day on Sunday.

KNKX weather expert Cliff Mass, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Unversity of Washington, says as we get into Saturday that pressure will start building to the north, while lower pressure remains in the south.

“Now, when you have that kind of pattern, you get 'offshore’ or ‘easterly’ flow,” said Mass. “That’s going to bring warmer air in from Eastern Washington. And also, that air is going to sink as it goes down the western slopes of the Cascades. So, we’ll see a warm up.”

Gradual Climb To Temps In Mid 80s

He says on Saturday, expect temperatures in the mid-70s.

“But as we get into Sunday, I think we can get into the low 80s. And Monday, Tuesday even the mid-80s,” he said.

Wet In Some Places

Mass warns that there is a chance of precipitation associated with the changing weather, but only in certain locations.

“With that easterly flow, the air’s going to go up the eastern slopes of the Cascades. So there could be showers late Saturday into Saturday night on the eastern side of the Cascades, up to the Cascade crest,” he said. “If you’re hiking on the other side, you could see some rain later in the day. Or even if you’re in places like Ellensburg or Yakima, there could be some showers. And those could actually be thunderstorms.”

But Mass says once those showers are over on Saturday night, things get really nice.

“I think that’s it. I think Sunday’s going to dry out over the whole region, and Monday and Tuesday should be absolutely dry, as high pressure dominates,” he said.

To hear the full conversation, including Cliff’s discussion of the Great Pacific Race from Monterray,CA to Hawaii and the weather that thwarted Seattle climate rower Eliza Dawsonfrom completing it, you can click on the 'play' icon at the top of this post.

Weather with Cliff Mass airs at 9:02 a.m. Friday, right after BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington professor of atmospheric sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to podcasts of Weather with Cliff Mass shows, via iTunesor Google Play.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.