Hi Everyone,
Low pressure shifting across the state yesterday took its time, clearing the central Gorge and starting westerlies just as the sun dipped behind Underwood Mountain. Only the sunset benefited from this timing, as thunderheads east of Hood River glowed pink and red in the fading light.
At least the late low provided poetry, if not wind.
The sunrise this morning was similar. This morning's cloudy sunrise background, however, was from a marine deck, not a wall of convective thunderheads. That's a better sign for windsurfing than the grey sky of doom. Today looks better for windsurfing, thank goodness. With high pressure building from the west, a low pressure system hanging in the desert, and a .08 gradient (funny thing is that I guessed .08 when I recorded the radio voiceover last night, and had to change nothing this morning!!!) to start the day, we’ll see useable, daylight winds. Upper flow is westerly, and clouds into the central gorge. Most consistent conditions will be at Doug’s and The Wall, where delicious cherries are ripe and ready for the eating. As high pressure builds in the afternoon, winds will pick up into the 23-26 range east of the cloud line. Models suggest a midday lull, so I'll say midday lull as well. It's hard to go wrong with that, as Portland often heats up midday, giving pole- and tangleboarders a lunch break. Now if we only had a taqueria with las tortas cubanas at the playa, all would be good.
Monday sees high pressure to the west and a heat low to the east. A predicted 15 degree temperature differential brings more sailable afternoon westerlies.At this point, the morning isn't looking great, but afternoon puts all but the picky people back on the water.
If you need a break from freshwater, the entire coast is happening as well. Pistol River sees 30ish, while the rest of the coast sees 20 or better. The swell is only running at 4 feet, so the gas-bill to fun ratio might not be up to par if you’re a wavesailor or surfer. Pistol looks to keep blowing through the week as high pressure maintains its grip off the north coast.
Ok. I have to go back to bed now. I saw the sunset last night and the sunrise this morning. With this being summer solstice time, that's just not enough sleep.
To the family in Mosier who wants their cookies and to Ron M who also wants his cookies and is, btw, getting married in just under a month., I have the dough in my fridge. Geez... maybe I should offer cookies in exchange for a boyfriend... =)
You guys have a great day on the water today, and don't even think about getting used to having the forecast in your inbox at 5:50am. If I keep this up, you'll have one crazy, braindead forecaster on your hands, and some really strange forecasts for your reading pleasure!