As we approach the much-anticipated Memorial Day weekend, I want to provide you with valuable insights into the weather conditions that will shape our plans. Brace yourself for a fantastic weather pattern that promises to usher in the unofficial start of summer. However, there is one crucial factor that will influence our weekend experience—the smoke emanating from the devastating western forest fires.
Let me paint a picture of what the ideal weather scenario would look like without the smoke’s interference. Imagine mostly sunny skies, gentle breezes, and temperatures soaring into the pleasant 80s. A true summer dream come true.
But alas, the smoke from the fires introduces an element of uncertainty, making it difficult to predict exactly when thick patches will roll in. While the smoke won’t bring rainfall, it can cast a hazy and almost cloudy appearance to the sky. When the smoke thickens, temperatures are held back by approximately five degrees.
In other words, don’t be surprised if the current picture-perfect forecasts for the weekend fall short of expectations due to the presence of smoke.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics. The upper-air pattern indicates a dry and sunny scenario, ideal for outdoor activities—except for the looming forest fires. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any rain. To be realistic, let’s label the forecast as partly sunny with a hazy sun, courtesy of the smoke. The smoke is expected to dissipate on Wednesday and Thursday, only to gradually make its way back into our high skies as the weekend unfolds.
Here’s some good news regardless of the smoke situation: a light wind pattern awaits us. Mornings and evenings will be blissfully calm, with gentle afternoon breezes blowing from various directions, reaching a maximum speed of 10 mph. I would confidently describe it as a weekend of light winds, making it an ideal time for boating enthusiasts as the waves remain small.
Now, let’s talk about temperatures. They will be warm but do keep in mind that if the smoke thickens, we might fall a few degrees short of the current projections. So, don’t plan on upper-80s temperatures if the smoke lingers. Instead, anticipate temperatures hovering around the 80-degree mark for Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day.
As the weekend unfolds, each day will bring a slight increase in temperature compared to the previous one. While the mornings may start off a touch chilly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the morning of Memorial Day will have a touch of summery warmth in the air.
Prepare yourself for a delightful weather situation during the Memorial Day weekend. Usually, I have a confident sense of how the weekend will play out. However, this time, it hinges on the thickness of the smoke, and I have a strong feeling that it will be noticeable at times.
Be flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the smoke’s impact. Nevertheless, seize the opportunity to enjoy this special weekend, savoring the beauty of the outdoors and honoring the significance of Memorial Day.