A series of storm systems will continue to result in wet conditions and below-average temperatures across the Pacific Northwest through the end of the week, and also across portions of Idaho and Montana. Cooler than average temperatures can also be expected throughout California over the next several days.

Wildfire season is underway across the Southwest and periods of smoke/haze can be expected across the Four Corners states. Smoke will likely hang around to some extent over the next few weeks since the Southwest is currently in its pre-monsoon dry season. And, of course, the potential for new fires will increase as vegetation fuels continue to dry out. 

Forecast for Wednesday, June 9th

A large trough of low pressure is located along the West Coast, and this is resulting in an extended stretch of unsettled and cool weather across the Pacific Northwest. 

Temperatures will remain below average throughout the western states from Washington to California. Above-average warmth will persist across the Central and Southern Rockies through Wednesday afternoon.

The Cascades and West Coast will see generally light/spotty showers on Wednesday, then heavier precipitation will spread into Idaho and Northwest Montana on Wednesday night, including wet snow across the higher peaks.

Forecast for Thursday, June 10th

A storm system will continue to progress from southwest to northeast across the Northern Rockies on Thursday.

A cold front will also sweep across the Northern Rockies during the day on Thursday, ushering in much cooler temperatures following an extended stretch of warmth. Even most of Utah will see a welcome cooldown, though moisture will be lacking farther south.

Idaho and Northwest Montana including Glacier National Park will continue to be favored for the most widespread precipitation, and thunderstorms can also be expected.

Lighter rain will also extend south and east into the mountain ranges of Southwest Montana and Northwest Wyoming, including the Tetons and Yellowstone.

The Cascades will be in between weather systems, but will still remain unsettled with light showers possible.

As colder air arrives, high elevation snow can also be expected on Thursday across the Northern Rockies.

Forecast for Friday, June 11th

The next storm system will impact the Pacific Northwest on Friday with rain across the West Coast and Cascades, extending as far south as far Northern California. 

The Southern Rockies and Southwest will remain in a dry pattern, though some isolated thunderstorms couldn't be ruled out across the Continental Divide on Friday afternoon.

Forecast for Saturday, June 12th

High pressure will begin to rebuild across the West on Saturday, resulting in warmer temperatures and a drying trend for most areas. However, the storm track will remain near/just off of the Pacific Coast which will continue to result in unsettled weather for Washington and Oregon.

The Olympics and Northern Cascades will stand the best chance of picking up some showers on Saturday with drier conditions expected east of the Cascade crest.

A subtle uptick in moisture arriving from the plains via easterly winds could also trigger some isolated thunderstorms along/east of the Continental Divide in Southern Colorado and New Mexico.

Forecast for Sunday, June 13th

Temperatures will really begin to heat up on Sunday as high pressure strengthens across the Rockies. In fact, some areas could be approaching record territory in the Northern Rockies by Sunday afternoon.

The storm track will remain close to the West Coast on Sunday and there is a chance that a stronger disturbance could bring heavier rains to the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington. However, confidence is low at this time as it's also possible the heaviest rains remain offshore.

Isolated thunderstorms will also be possible across the Bitterroots in Idaho/Montana, as well as the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide in Colorado and New Mexico.

Outlook for Monday, June 14th - Friday, June 18th

Next week's pattern is looking hot and dry across most of the West with a dominant ridge of high pressure expected to take hold.

The Cascades and PNW Coast could continue to see some shower activity early next week, but then should see a drying trend by later in the week. Also, areas along the Continental Divide could see some isolated thunderstorms from time to time.

Otherwise, little in the way of precipitation is expected for the majority of the West.

Thanks so much for reading and check back for my next forecast on Friday, June 11th!

ALAN SMITH

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