Monday’s snowfall beat entire month of March

Snow was reported across much of the region Monday. At Spokane International Airport, a record 1 inch was measured. The previous record for April 6 was 0.7 inches in 1975. The seasonal total at the airport now stands at 17.6 inches, far below the normal of about 44.5 inches for the date. Monday’s snow was more than what was received during March, as the airport only picked up 0.9 inch last month.

In Coeur d’Alene, a record 3.3 inches fell on Monday. Out of that 3.3 inches, 2.6 inches fell in one hour. From Jan. 23 to April 5, northwest Coeur d’Alene only received 2.5 inches. For the season, 36.1 inches of snow has fallen, compared to a normal of just over 69 inches.

 Since the storm passed, temperatures have warmed and conditions have become drier. However, more showers, and perhaps a few snowflakes, are expected this weekend.

Last week, I said spring will be wetter and a bit cooler than normal. But summer looks slightly warmer with near-normal precipitation. For July, the airport normally receives 0.64 inches of rain. This year, totals should be near 0.75 inches. In August, Spokane may be near the normal of 0.59 inches, while September is expected to be near 0.6 inches of rain, compared to a normal of 0.67 inches.

We should have many days with lots of sunshine. Much of the rainfall is expected from occasional afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity. Overall, high pressure should dominate our region before moving out of the region later in the fall.

 Temperatures for the summer should be a bit warmer in July, August and early to mid-September. I don’t think it will be quite as hot as 2014, when temperatures were nearly 6 degrees above average in July. The airport reported 26 days at or above 90 degrees, hitting 100 degrees on July 29. This year, there will probably be a few days near the century mark. We may also be close to the 26 days of 90 degrees or higher this year as well, but average readings should be a little cooler.