Normal conditions expected on Bloomsday Sunday

Sunday is one of the Inland Northwest’s favorite events, Bloomsday.

This annual tradition was born during the running boom that swept the nation in the late 1970s. The inaugural Bloomsday Run was on May 1, 1977, and billed as “Run With the Stars.”

Most of the Bloomsday runners, if not all of them, hope for ideal weather conditions. At this time of year, the average high temperature is 63 degrees with an average low of 40. For this year’s Bloomsday, temperatures should be close to normal, but there may be a few rain showers around.

Although many years have seen great weather conditions, Bloomsday has seen its share of extremes.

For example, on May 6, 1984, about one to two inches of snow fell before the race began. Throughout that morning runners experienced a rain and snow mix as temperatures remained in the 30s until early afternoon. The official high temperature for that chilly day was only 47.

There was another cold Bloomsday on May 2, 1999. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., .07 inches of rain fell with temperatures holding in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Winds occasionally gusted to 15 to 20 mph, making it uncomfortable for spectators and runners alike.

On the flip side, the first Bloomsday was one of the warmest. Temperatures at the noon start of the race were near 60 degrees. By the early afternoon, readings climbed into the upper 70s. On May 4, 1980, it was another warm day with a starting race temperature of 55 degrees. By 2 p.m., it was 78 degrees. The official high for that day, as well as the one in 1977, was 81.

Bloomsday also has seen a thunderstorm. On May 5, 2002, a thunderstorm dropped small hail and sent temperatures falling into the lower 40s with winds gusting to 25 mph.

Long-term, this cool and showery weather pattern is expected to continue into early May. As we get close to that full moon around May 8, our temperatures should warm up. We could see afternoon highs climb back into the low 80s or higher by middle of next month. Readings may even come close to 90 by late May.

There is still the chance of a late-season frost or two. I still expect to see a much warmer and a bit drier-than-normal mid-June through mid-September summer season. The fall looks a little wetter than average.