Summertime is here. A time in the Northwest when the sun shines warmly...and the temperatures climb to that oh-so-pleasant range of right around 80 degrees every afternoon. At least, that's what the averages say happen during the summer here. And that's exactly what the week ahead will bring.

When a large ridge of high pressure builds into the Northwest, that's when temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s. But that won't be happening anytime soon. Instead, the upper-level flow will remain flat...basically straight west to east...or even somewhat 'troughy'...when the upper-level flow dips down into the Northwest. This pattern...dominating through the week ahead...will bring marine air to the region.

What does that marine air mean? Well...basically morning clouds...afternoon sunshine...and high temperatures near 80. And that forecast isn't for just one day this week...it's for every day now through next weekend! So we'll see plenty of comfortable sunshine. And you may love it. But as a weather guy...I'm getting a bit bored, I hate to say. Don't get me wrong...I enjoy the sunshine just as much as the next guy. But forecasting a big winter storm...that's what I'm looking forward to. =)

I'm sure by the middle of next January...I may be regretting that last comment. =)