Wet March drowns records across region

Last month was the wettest March on record across many parts of the Inland Northwest. Sixteen of 31 days had measurable precipitation at the Spokane International Airport, and an additional four days had trace amounts.

A whopping 4.56 inches of rain and melted snow was reported at Spokane International Airport, an all-time record for March. The previous record was 3.81 inches in 1995. At Felts Field, a record 4.07 inches of moisture was measured. The previous mark was 2.87 inches a year ago. At Prichard, Idaho, 10.80 inches of rain and melted snow was reported, compared to the old record of 5.7 inches set in 2009. Colville reported a new March record of 4.55 inches of moisture. The old record was 3.41 inches in 2011.

A record 6.14 inches fell at the Coeur d’Alene Airport last month. The previous record for March was 5.37 inches in 1916. Kellogg, Idaho, smashed its old mark of 6.45 inches in 1916 with a March total of 9.01 inches. Sandpoint broke its 1997 record of 6.7 inches with 7.88 inches of moisture last month.

By extreme contrast to the cool and wet weather in our region, the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. saw its mildest winter season on record. The warm spell in March that had record afternoon highs in the 80s in places like Chicago, Detroit and Columbus, Ohio, is unprecedented in its duration, more than 10 days in many instances. Thousands of Midwest farmers planted their corn and soybean fields nearly a month ahead of schedule.

In our area, longer-term, I am expecting decreasing rains and milder temperatures after this week. There is little chance for snow after Friday. We may see highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s by April 14-21, as high pressure builds into the Inland Northwest.

The 90-day outlook for our regioncalls for sun and showers, great for plants, and golfers, too.