The Western United States will be influenced by two distinct weather patterns as we close out the month of June. There will be record-breaking heat over the Pacific Northwest and below-average temps over the Intermountain West.

The graphic below of the weather pattern on Saturday, June 26 says it all. The warmer colors signal "warm and dry" weather over Washington and Oregon, while the cooler colors signal "cool and wet" weather for Colorado and into New Mexico.

This signal for cooler temps and increased chances for precip is also clear in our 5-day hourly forecast for Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado. Each day over the next 5 days has a heightened risk for lightning and you can even see that our "Estimated Trail Conditions" tool picked up light snow as the temps cooled and precipitation rates increased on Thursday evening!

Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico have already experienced numerous wildfires during the month of June but thanks to healthy moisture in the atmosphere and soaking rains over the past 24-48 hours, smoke near the surface and in the sky will decline quite dramatically through Friday.

Fingers crossed that this trend continues as we head into the heart of the summer!

Make sure to always check out the following high-resolution maps for the latest conditions regarding wildfire smoke ahead of your next outdoor activity:

Wildfire Smoke (surface) Map

Wildfire Smoke (sky) Map

Unlimited access to the maps listed above are just a few of the many benefits of our All-Access subscription.

Forecast for Friday, June 25

The unseasonably strong ridge of high pressure will begin to settle in over the Pacific Northwest on Friday and bring downright hot temperatures for nearly every region. Meanwhile, the Intermountain West will continue to receive below-average temps.

The two maps for Friday go hand-in-hand with dry conditions in the Pacific Northwest and moist conditions for Wyoming, Colorado, and the eastern half of Utah. Afternoon thunderstorms will fire up around midday Friday and continue through Friday evening, especially along the Continental Divide.

Forecast for Saturday, June 26

Different day, same story. Exploding temperatures will slide into the western Washington and Oregon, while below-average temps continue to hover over the Intermountain West.

Compared to Friday, Colorado will receive a decreased risk for widespread precipitation, though the main focus will likely shift into southern Colorado. New Mexico will see welcoming moisture as it focuses on areas east of the divide.

Forecast for Sunday, June 27

Heat, heat, and more heat. Sunday will be the day to watch for record-shattering heat in the Pacific Northwest. Keep an eye on the Twitter accounts for NWS Seattle and NWS Portland for important updates.

Come Sunday, afternoon thunderstorm activity will mainly focus on the highest elevations along the Continental Divide for Colorado and down into southern New Mexico. High and dry conditions will remain in place elsewhere throughout the Western United States.

Outlook for Mon, June 28 – Sun, July 4

Looking ahead to the week of June 28, the big story will be just how high the temperatures climb for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The 7-day temperature anomaly map for the Pacific Northwest is literally off the charts.

According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the Sea-Tac Airport has only reached 100°F or greater twice (103° on July 29, 2009, and 100° on July 20, 1994). According to the OpenSummit 5-day hourly forecast for downtown Seattle, we could have two 100°F or greater days through Monday, June 28.

Snow and glacial melt in the Pacific Northwest will also reach scary levels through the upcoming period so overall, the trend for well-above-average temperatures continues for the late-spring and early-summer of 2021.

For precipitation, the focus will remain on the southern Rockies, with chances for afternoon thunderstorms in Colorado, New Mexico, and maybe into Utah and Arizona. The northern half of the Western United States will likely remain dry through the upcoming holiday weekend.

I'll continue to mention that heightened fire danger will remain in place for nearly the entire Western United States so stay tuned to local law enforcement to see how this could impact your outdoor plans.

Thanks for reading! Next update on Monday (6/28).

SAM COLLENTINE

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