WeatherWatcher: Calmer weather ahead

Daily maximum wind gusts at the new Richmond Beach Station.

We've had quite a breezy month with two wind storms in less than a week. The second wind storm, which prompted a high wind warning from the National Weather Service in Seattle was the strongest of the two. Power outages were less extensive with the second storm, probably because the first wind storm already pruned the trees for us, and the second wind storm, though stronger, was only a little stronger. The Friday December 14 wind storm had a maximum gust of 43mph, where as the Thursday December 20 storm reached a maximum gust of 46mph.

Accumulated rainfall compared to average for December.

We are just a touch below average for rainfall this month so far. The dry start didn't seem to help, but active weather kicked in starting around the 8th of the month.

December daily average temperature compared to station average.

We are running a little above normal for daily average temperatures compared to the average. We had a slightly colder than normal period before the active weather arrived around December 8. A slightly warmer and slightly drier than normal winter season is expected due to a moderate El Niño in the tropical Pacific.

Forecast: We have some calm weather ahead for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We have a chance of showers for Christmas Eve, with temperatures in the mid-upper 40's and a slight chance of showers Monday evening with lows dropping into the 30's. Christmas day we are expecting a mostly dry day with temperatures in the lower to mid 40's and light wind.

Our next storm system begins its approach Tuesday with a chance of showers moving in overnight. Wednesday rain is likely at times, with temperatures in the low 40's. Wednesday night through next Sunday we have a chance of showers for each day and evening. Highs will be in the lower 40's, with lows in the 30's.

You'll notice we have a lot of forecasted lows in the 30's with precipitation in the forecast later this week. Occasionally some models have suggested possible lowland snow, but it hasn't been consistent. The majority of the forecast models point to rain showers, with temperatures just a little too warm for snow. I'm keeping an eye on this situation, if a convergence zone develops out of this pattern later next week it can quickly change the story from rain to snow.

Longer range models are suggesting some cooler air moving in after the new year, also an area I am watching closely.

Weather History Series: In celebration of operating a weather station in Shoreline for 10 years now I've been working on a series of weather history articles. If anyone has any good photos of past weather events of any time from the Shoreline or Lake Forest Park area, from wind storms, snow storms, or other weather events that they would like to share, please email them to carl.dinse@shorelineweather.com.

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com