Temira's Gorge Forecast

I'm back! Did you miss me? I missed you guys, and am looking forward to seeing you on the water starting late today!

Southerly upper level flow and unstable air sent the desert into a thunderstorm frenzy last night. All we received here in HR was a few little fluffy convective clouds. Seems Mother Nature didn't want to send any lightning strikes to our ultra-dry forests. Good thing, as much as I like thunderstorms.

Speaking of Mother Nature, a disturbance approaching the Oregon Coast sent clouds all the way to Kelso this morning. Depending on what marine air does in the next few hours, we could see mediocre to good conditions this evening. If Portland heads for 90 by noon, we'll see an afternoon thermal in the 18-20 range. If marine air pushes early (it's expected to surge, like an American battalion, around 5pm), we'll see winds in the 22-26 range at Doug's this evening. I know that's not specific, but we're depending on fickle Nature's timing here. Just keep a little time free after 4pm, and you'll be a-ok.

Tomorrow looks quite nice. First, depending on the power of the marine thrust, we could see excellent dawn patrol. (I was down in Pistol River last week, and someone suggested we do "D.P." I had to explain, to much laughter, my shocked look. Check out urbandictionary.com if you need to know why "Dawn Patrol" shouldn't be referred to as "d.p.") Anyway, a strong marine push, combined with an approaching front, keeps Portland in clouds all day long. Desert temps hover in the 90's, but lucky PDX sees relief in the low 70's. If marine clouds push past HR, no dawn patrol. If they stay to our west, 23-26 early. Once again, that's "early," and does not mean 10am. As the front shifts east and marine clouds park for the day, winds shift as well. Watch Celilo, Avery, Doug's and Arlington for best winds. 24-28 should be no problem, but it's a little early to call the necessary 30 at Arlington. (I have my fingers crossed) Upper level flow, suffering from low pressure off the coast, remains southerly. This, once again, is not good for The Wall.

MM5 shows east winds Saturday morning, but I just don't think that's right. With Portland dropping to 50 degrees, and Arlington holding at 60ish, westerly temperature gradients keep winds blowing. Lighter gradients drive lighter winds, but conditions remain sailable in the 18-22+ range.

At this point, it looks like westerlies will blow all weekend long. If you live far away, feel free to drive down for the last bash of summer, Labor Day weekend!

Comments? http://www.temirawagonfeld.com/windblog

Otherwise...

Have an awesome day on the water! I can't wait to join you guys tomorrow!