Weathercatch: Springtime relief for the worried

In terms of weather, the opening days of spring were just what we needed to help fend off the jitters while in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. In this new world of uncertainty, sunshine and mild temperatures offered comfort and a symbol of renewal in the form of radiantly blue skies, unfurling buds, greening parks and a chorus of birds.

Whether we cracked open a window or two, sat outside on a deck, did yard work or went on a walk (while practicing social distancing), the weather demonstrated that the arrival of spring is a sure thing during an unsure time.

The season started March 19 with clear skies and temperatures reaching 58 degrees in the Spokane area. Pleasant weather reigned each day through Sunday, with highs nudging 60. Beneath a glowing sky in the Inland Northwest, temperatures overall ran about 5 degrees above normal, reassuring us that the world is still working.

The warmest temperature in Washington state was 70 degrees recorded on Friday in the Klickitat County town of Dallesport.

A cool front that moved into the Pacific Northwest early this week lowered high temperatures into the upper 40s to mid-50s. It also delivered a mix of rain and snow to parts of the state, along with winds and periodic gusts. Parts of the Inland Northwest woke up to a half-inch of snow Wednesday.

All of which is normal for this time of year.

As we move deeper into spring, we can probably look forward to similar windless, bluebird days that we experienced March 19-22. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above-average temperatures across the Pacific Northwest from March through May, along with below-average precipitation.

In other words, we may have plenty of opportunities to step outside, clear our heads and absorb some vitamin D.