We will be monitoring a significant warming trend that looks to set up shop across the region. Expect temperatures to climb steadily, with highs reaching into the 70s and even approaching the low 80s inland Monday and Tuesday. Winds will also be a factor, with breezy offshore northerly gusts up to 25 mph expected in the valley this afternoon and evening. For those of you along the Cascades, especially in the Columbia River Gorge, east winds could be even stronger, reaching up to 30-45 mph overnight. Although conditions are drying out significantly, the recent rains should keep fire weather concerns low, but caution is still advised for any burning through Tuesday morning.
As we head into Tuesday, high pressure will start to break down as a weather system approaches from the west. However, uncertainty grows from Wednesday onward as different models try to figure out exactly how this incoming low-pressure system will play out. Currently, we are forecasting a noticeable cooling trend beginning Wednesday, with temperatures expected to fall back into the 60s and stick around that mark through late week. We’re also seeing an increasing chance for rain developing mid-week…