Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A Warm Weekend Will Give Way To A Cooling Trend Next Week

AP Images

Generally cooler temperatures this weekend should help firefighters gain headway in massive, stubborn wildfire in Eastern Washington, said KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass.

"Right now we have a little bit of a cool-down going on" Mass said. "We'll see a step-down into the mid 70s (Friday) some low clouds and most of those will burn off during the day."

The weekend will see a slight uptick in temperatures with temperatures in the lower 80s. Next will a major cool-down will begin. "Cooler than normal for much of the week and even a chance of some rain later in the week -- especially on Thursday and Friday," he said.

Mass said that slight, two-day rise in temperatures won't do firefighters any good but come next week, they should catch a break. "If they can get to Monday," he said, "we'll see cooler temperatures and more humidity over the fire area." 

The cooling trend isn't exactly the end of summer, Mass said. But the jet stream's migration southward means that weather patterns are going to be more variable for a while.

Cool Helps, Cool Hurts

Mass  said cooler temperatures come with a price: Higher winds. So while the ambient temperature does provide some relief, the accompanying winds spread existing blazes. The cooling air in Western Washington meeting the still-warm air east of the Cascade Range. The variance in pressure creates wind. 

"That accelerates the wind," Mass said. "That kind of wind can really stoke a fire."

But Mass doesn't see much in the way of lightening this week. The weekend is the next test for firefighters. Higher temperatures and gusty winds through Sunday will make it a challenge. But come Monday, Mother Nature will start to help.

"If they can get through that, get into later Monday, into Tuesday (and) Wednesday, then things will get better and it's going to stay better for an extended period of time."

The weekly KPLU feature "Weather with Cliff Mass" airs every Friday at 9 a.m. immediately following BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KPLU Environment Reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to a podcast of “Weather with Cliff Mass” shows.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.