Blog Article
West Coast Enjoys Perfect Weather Amid National Storms
While the Midwest and Gulf Coast face severe weather, the Pacific Northwest and California are enjoying a flawless stretch of sunny, low-humidity days.
A West Coast Haven While the Rest of the Country Dodges Storms
If you have been watching the radar this week, you know it is a chaotic map. Between a major severe weather outbreak in the Midwest and relentless tropical flooding along the Gulf Coast, a lot of folks are just trying to stay safe and dry today.
But weather is all about location. If you are sitting west of the Rockies, you are experiencing a completely different reality. A highly stable, dry airmass has settled over the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, delivering a multi-day stretch of absolutely gorgeous conditions.
You can check the exact rating for your hometown on our Nice Weather outlook page, but here is a look at where the weather is actually cooperating this week.
The Pacific Northwest is Flawless
Wednesday and Thursday are top-tier days for Washington and Oregon. A stable ridge of high pressure is keeping the skies mostly clear and the humidity non-existent.
If you are in Seattle, Portland, or Spokane today, you are looking at highs in the 70s to low 80s with crisp dewpoints in the upper 40s. It is the kind of weather that makes you want to skip out of work early and find a trailhead. By Thursday, the comfort holds steady. If you are heading out to watch the Mariners host the Orioles on Thursday night, you could not ask for better ballpark weather.
Just keep one thing in mind. With the clear skies, the UV index is running high across the region. You will definitely want sunscreen if you are spending the afternoon outside. Also, if you plan to cool off in a lake or river, remember that the water temperatures are still dangerously cold this early in the season.
California Extends Its Streak
California has been quietly hoarding the good weather. Cities from Sacramento down to Los Angeles are riding a nine-day streak of solid, comfortable conditions, and Friday looks like the crown jewel of the week.
A refreshing cooling trend will drop valley temperatures a few degrees below normal to close out the workweek. Coastal areas and valleys will see morning marine clouds peel back to reveal brilliant afternoon sunshine. Places like San Jose, Oxnard, and Santa Maria are forecasting highs in the 70s with zero mugginess. It is an ideal setup for patio dining or a weekend road trip.
A Brief Midwestern Cooldown
For folks east of the Rockies, finding a window of nice weather requires threading the needle between storm systems.
The good news is that a cold front will sweep through the Central Plains and Midwest by Thursday and Friday, finally breaking the heat. By Friday, cities like Indianapolis and Chicago will see a much-needed break, with highs dropping back into the highly pleasant 70s. It will be a fantastic, tranquil Friday evening for a walk or an outdoor dinner.
Unfortunately, that relief is temporary. By the weekend, the pattern degrades again as thunderstorm coverage expands across the Plains and Midwest. If you are running Grandma's Marathon in Duluth on Saturday or attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, you will need to keep an eye on the sky. The West will hold onto the best weather through the weekend, while the eastern half of the country will have to keep dodging the raindrops.