What will the weather for Summer 2016 be like in the Pacific Northwest? (Seattle: live, vs)

[Mopac1980]

I sure hope this year's summer won't be as hot as it was during the last couple years (which were IMO the hottest summers we've had in years).

[sapphire1]

So far, so good. Yesterday it was 57 here, while many areas of the country roasted.

Last year was horrible, fires in the Wenatchee and surrounding areas. There was even a small fire in a hayfield down the street from me.

I don't think it will be as bad as last summer. Let's hope not.

[Lamplight]

So far it's looking a lot better than last year, and I hope it stays that way.

[509]

Fire Weather prediction for Northwest....

Northwest: Normal significant wildland fire potential is expected for the Northwest Geographic Area for the Outlook period.
The first half of May was unusually warm and dry across the Northwest. Temperatures were well above normal and only one frontal system passed across the Area. The second half of May was significantly cooler and wetter with a number of cool, showery upper troughs settling over the Area through Memorial Day weekend. Due to the sunshine and consistent warmth, snowmelt accelerated during May with nearly every reporting basin in the Area falling below average snowpack by mid-month. Many reporting stations reached zero snow up to a month ahead of schedule as a result of the warmth.
Climate outlooks suggest that generally warmer-than-normal conditions are likely through June and into July. Beyond that, indications suggest that August and September will not be unusually warm which may hinder large fire potential. Precipitation accumulation and lightning frequency during this period are unclear. Heavy fuels dried well below average in many areas during the first half of May, particularly west of the Cascades. Two significant fires were reported in western Washington. Fortunately, the extended period of cool, moist weather in the last half of the month allowed fuel moisture to return to normal levels by the beginning of June. Green-up of shrubs and grasses is well underway across the Area. Live fuels have been moistening rapidly since mid-May due to the accumulated effect of warmth and precipitation in the last half of the month. Field reports indicate curing is beginning on south facing aspects east of the Cascades and will accelerate after June 1. Rains have contributed to fuel loading and amounts look to be near normal. Fire danger is poised to increase more quickly than usual in June due to the anticipated warmth and reach normal fire season levels by late June. Fast moving fires in grassy fuels are likely on schedule in June in rangelands and areas subject to gusty winds. Heavier fuels will follow a few weeks behind.

http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.g...al_outlook.pdf

[Hemlock140]

I like the long range forecasts for the Old Farmers Almanac, always seems to be accurate. They say hotter than normal when sunny, but also more summer rain and cooler days. Sort of like we are having now but hotter, with a week of sunny, and few days of rain, through August. September and October they say will be cooler and wetter than normal.

[CrazyDonkey]

Well, if this spring was any indication, it is going to be HOT!!!

On the other hand, weather and climate aren't the same thing.

[danielsard]

I kinda follow the weather in spokane, and it has been all over... 90s, then freeze warnings... madness

[lluvia]

Originally Posted by danielsard

I kinda follow the weather in spokane, and it has been all over... 90s, then freeze warnings... madness

And I know I don't have to tell you this but I'm sure 90 in Spokane is more comfortable than 90 in wet blanket South Fl.
When I'm observing weather, I focus on the dew point reading vs relative humidity.
Dew point is a better indicator of comfort

[observer]

Originally Posted by lluvia

And I know I don't have to tell you this but I'm sure 90 in Spokane is more comfortable than 90 in wet blanket South Fl.
When I'm observing weather, I focus on the dew point reading vs relative humidity.
Dew point is a better indicator of comfort

Yes!!!!! Without a doubt!

[509]

Originally Posted by lluvia

And I know I don't have to tell you this but I'm sure 90 in Spokane is more comfortable than 90 in wet blanket South Fl.
When I'm observing weather, I focus on the dew point reading vs relative humidity.
Dew point is a better indicator of comfort

How do you use dewpoint for defining comfort??

For example.....here is the current temperatures from Seattle

Temp 64 degrees, RH 63%, dewpoint 51 degrees

For Wenatchee

Temp 92 degrees, RH 25%, dewpoint 51 degrees

So are both places exactly the same in comfort??