Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Significant rain still needed to bring city to 'normal' precipitation rate
DAVENPORT—As fall gets into full swing this week, meteorologists with the National Weather Service expect the possibility of increasing precipitation levels in October. However, a significant amount of rain and snow will be required for the area to reach “normal” precipitation levels for an exceedingly dry and windy 2021.
“As we’re getting into fall, October is trending for slightly above normal precipitation with normal seasonal temperatures,” NWS Spokane service hydrologist Robin Fox said. “As we look into the three-month forecast, which includes October through December, we’re looking at the same idea.”
Fox said temperatures are expected to be fairly seasonal and typical for the rest of 2021, with mild and dry conditions lasting through the end of September before cooler temperatures gradually take over through October. That prediction does come with a forecast of more rain that will likely eventually turn into snow at a normal time in late November.
“Things will be getting wetter, but I think we’re looking forward to as much precipitation as we can get,” Fox said, alluding to this year’s drought that has netted just 4.5 inches of rain in Davenport. That total includes last weekend’s steady downpour.
A normal year in Davenport averages around 9 inches of rain, so precipitation levels have only reached half that here in 2021.
The Climate Prediction Center issued a “La Nina” watch for this winter as 2022 looms. That same watch, which Fox said usually comes with above average precipitation, was also issued for 2021.
“We actually got an above average amount of precipitation throughout the Inland Northwest in January and February,” Fox said. “But then systems from the northwest brought high winds and no rain.”
Since February, this year has been exceedingly dry, as many wheat farmers lamented amidst what some old-timers called the worst drought and harvest since they’ve been working.
Tis year’s drought that has netted just 4.5 inches of rain in Davenport, Fox said, That total includes last weekend’s steady downpour.
A normal year in Davenport averages around 9 inches of rain, so precipitation levels have only reached half that here in 2021.
As farmers now prepare winter wheat crops, Fox said they should hope precipitation levels increase as winter looms.
“The Davenport area is still lagging with precipitation for the year,” Fox said. “The area is currently under a D4 drought, which is considered an ‘exceptional’ drought. We’re going to need a lot of precipitation this fall to change that outlook.”
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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