June, July and August expected to be warmer, drier than last year

Last June, it was fairly cool until the very end of the month when we saw some summery mid-80s in the Spokane area along with a sharp decrease in precipitation.

The high temperature on June 22 and June 28 was 85 degrees. On June 16, it was only 56 degrees. Despite the warm weather toward the end of the month, the average mean temperature was only 59 degrees at the airport, compared to a normal of 61.6 degrees. Our total precipitation last June was only 0.57 inches, which was 0.61 inches below normal.

This June looks to be both warmer and drier than usual thanks, at least in part, to a milder La Nada, the sea-surface temperature pattern in the Pacific waters in between cool La Niña and warm El Niño. We should be a couple of degrees warmer than normal. By month’s end, we should surpass the 90-degree mark in town. Summer activities will be in full swing.

Last July was still cooler than usual overall with an average mean temperature of 66.7 degrees, compared with the normal of nearly 68.6 degrees at the Spokane International Airport. There were three afternoons with highs at or above 90 degrees last July.

July 2011 was drier than normal with just 0.53 inches, compared with the average of 0.76 inches. A strong storm on July 13 dumped 0.28 inches of rain, just over 50 percent of the entire month’s total precipitation.

This July should be warmer than normal with at least eight days at or above 90 degrees. I predict a couple of thunderstorms, mainly near the mountains, toward midmonth and total precipitation should be a bit below normal.

It’s also possible that by the second or third week of July, we could flirt with the 100-degree mark in the Inland Northwest.

Last August was very warm with an average temperature of 70.8 degrees, about 1.5 degrees above normal. Last summer’s highest reading of 94 degrees occurred on Aug. 28. There were six afternoons last August with readings in the 90s.

August was bone-dry until the final hours of the month when 0.23 inches fell during a brief thunderstorm. Our normal August precipitation is 0.59 inches.

This August, I foresee at least eight afternoons in the region with afternoon highs in the 90s. Once again, toward the middle of the month, we could approach 100 degrees.

Total precipitation at the airport this August should be near a half-inch thanks to a couple of thunderstorms. But, most days will be warm to hot and generally sunny, perfect for all types of outdoor activities.