New Feature: Lightning Density Maps

Just in time for summer, we now have lightning density maps available for All-Access subscribers! The interactive map updates every 5 minutes and allows you to view the number of lightning strikes per square kilometer over the past 30 minutes. You can also scroll up to 90 minutes into the past to get an idea of recent thunderstorm/lightning behavior.

Below is a screen capture of the Lightning Density Map from early Friday morning as a cluster of thunderstorms moved across Northern Idaho and Western Montana. There are multiple layers and backgrounds you can use to best suit your viewing preferences.

Snowpack and Drought Update

As we head into summer, much of the Western U.S. is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought. The Four Corners region west to California is in the worst shape, but the drought has also expanded north into parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies following a dry spring.

The Colorado Front Range is in the best shape right now and is completely drought-free after a wet spring. Portions of Western Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana are hanging onto drought-free conditions as well.

Mountain snowpack is below average across much of the West heading into early June. The Washington Cascades are a notable exception (as are areas north of the border) where snowpack is above average.

The Colorado Front Range and the Bighorn Range in Wyoming are also holding an above-average late season snowpack, with lighter snowpack west of the Continental Divide.

Check out our Snow Depth Map and zoom in to get an idea of current conditions and determine whether or not you can expect snow on the trail where you are hiking. High elevation hiking season is starting well ahead of schedule in California and Utah due to an early melt-out. However, snow is lingering across portions of the Central and Northern Rockies, and of course, heavy snow remains in the Cascades. 

Weather Outlook

Summer heat has taken hold across the West during the first week of June with record highs being set in some areas. Over the weekend, cooler and wetter conditions will return to the Pacific Northwest, while above-average warmth persists across the remainder of the West.

The pattern will feature a trough of low pressure becoming established across the Northwest, resulting in a series of weather systems impacting Washington and Oregon, while a ridge of high pressure will remain in place over the Rockies, though some areas will see thunderstorms as weaker disturbances move inland.

Forecast for Friday, June 4

A disturbance moving across the Northern Rockies will bring showers and thunderstorms to Southwest Montana and Northwest Wyoming. Meanwhile, a system over the Pacific Northwest will begin to spread showers into the Northern Cascades and Olympics.

Farther south, isolated afternoon thunderstorms can be expected from the Sierras to the Colorado Rockies, though hotter than average temperatures will continue to be the most noticeable weather feature.

Forecast for Saturday, June 5

Moisture will increase across the Southern Rockies on Saturday with more numerous thunderstorms expected across Colorado, Northern New Mexico, and the Uinta Range in Utah. Rain will also become more widespread across the Northern Cascades with temperatures cooling off significantly across Washington and Oregon.

Forecast for Sunday, June 6

Another in a series of storm systems will impact the Northwest on Sunday with widespread rain across the Cascades and Olympics and along with Washington and Northern Oregon coastlines. Another round of afternoon thunderstorms can also be expected across Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

Forecast for Monday, June 7

The pattern will begin to dry out across the Rockies with only some very isolated activity expected near the Continental Divide in Colorado. The Pacific Northwest should see somewhat of a break after a couple of wet days, but clouds, cool temperatures, and light showers will remain possible.

Cooler air will also dip south into California, ushering in below-average temperatures and a welcome reprieve from the recent heat.

Forecast for Tuesday, June 8

Another disturbance will move across the Northwest with shower activity picking back up across Washington and Oregon. Enough moisture should make it inland for showers and thunderstorms to develop over portions of the Northern Rockies as well. The Southern Rockies on the other hand should stay dry. 

Outlook for Wed, June 9 – Sun, June 13

A trough of low pressure is projected to remain over the West Coast during the second half of next week, resulting in cooler than average temperatures from Southern California to the Canadian border.

The Pacific Northwest and Northwest Rockies will be the most favored for showers and meaningful rains, while hot and dry conditions will prevail across the Central/Southern Rockies and desert regions. 

Thanks so much for reading and check back for my next forecast on Monday, June 7th!

ALAN SMITH

Have you taken any cool photos related to weather, mountain, nature, or outdoor recreation in the Western U.S. recently? If so, send it over to [email protected] for a chance to have your photo featured in the next Daily Summit!