As our spring weather forecast evolves, a look ahead at La Nina and El Nino in the Pacific

As our spring weather forecast evolves, a look ahead at La Nina and El Nino in the Pacific

According to UW meteorologist Cliff Mass, we have some rain coming our way this week and later in the month. It’s a sign of a switch from La Nina to El Nino conditions in the Pacific. Today we’ll take a look at what these two climate terms mean.

June Gloom comes a bit early this year

June Gloom comes a bit early this year

Today we’ll take a look at a regular but not always welcome Pacific Northwest springtime phenomenon: The pervasive “June Gloom,” when that cool hazy marine layer shows up, and stays.

So our weather is cool but not cold, not really sunny (but sometimes kind of sunny) but not raining either. It’s what happens this time of year.

Meteorologists call it June Gloom, and this year it showed up a bit early.

Another look at the deceptive conundrum of cold water and safety

Another look at the deceptive conundrum of cold water and safety

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its beauty rivals any resort on the planet. On a sunny day, it’s paradise. So why all the warnings about staying out of the water even in summer?

Today we’ll explore (in a little more depth) the topic of cold water dangers in the Pacific Northwest, and why the water never really warms up here.

Pilot basics: a look at maritime pilots on the river

Pilot basics: a look at maritime pilots on the river

For new folks in town, or listeners new to the show, here’s a basic look at what’s going on out there on the river off Astoria in terms of maritime pilots: those seasoned, expert professionals who help transiting ships get safely in and out of the river.

We have two different sets of pilots here, and we’ll talk about what they do, and how (if you are observant) you can see them at work.