June 2018

Much of the United States spent June breaking high temperature records and experiencing a heatwave. The Inland Northwest wasn’t so unfortunate and had yet to reach 90°F in many inland stations, such as Spokane and Pullman. Wenatchee, Omak, and Moses Lake reached a monthly high of 91°F or 92°F, which wasn’t until the last half of June. Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle saw many cool mornings with some low temperatures falling below 40° F in mid-June. For most of the area, it was a dry month with below normal total precipitation values. 

June 2018

Table 1. High & low temperatures and total precipitation for June 2018 with dates

People throughout Washington, especially Spokane, were anticipating the day we broke 90°F. Many say in Spokane that summer doesn’t start until after Fourth of July. While June wasn’t as warm as many expected, most temperatures throughout the month were near normal. So, how did these June temperatures compare to normal? 

Figure 1. Pacific Northwest Average Temperature Departure from Normal

What about the past few years? Let’s take a look at the last six years compared to normal (1981-2010) for a some locations in the area. (All temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit.)

Table 2. Average June Temperatures (2013-2018) vs. Normal 

June 2018 was cooler than last year, but near normal. Considering monthly average temperatures are not expected to be the same, many locations had an average June temperature with very little departure, close to one degree less or greater, from normal.

When comparing average June temperatures, don't forget that 2015 was an abnormally warm month, with numerous stations breaking, or near-breaking, records held for decades. Lewiston's previous record June high temperature of 103°F, from 1925, was broken in 2015 with a high of 111°F on June 28th. With an average almost ten degrees above normal June, this was just one of many locations reaching triple digits (100°F+) and/or breaking a record high June temperature.

Figure 2. Pacific Northwest Percent of Normal Precipitation 

Much of the Inland Northwest (Eastern Washington and Idaho Panhandle) had a much drier than normal month, with many locations not even reaching a monthly total precipitation of half an inch. Lewiston and Pullman received more precipitation than most of the region. They saw more on June 1, 2018 than many locations did all month. In June, Spokane barely broke half an inch, with 0.55", which was not even half the normal total of 1.25". 

Severe Thunderstorm Event: June 25, 2018

An early morning cold front brought strong winds and lightning to northeastern Washington's Ferry and Stevens Counties. Wind gusts reaching speeds above 50 mph brought damage to homes and land north of Spokane near locations such as Republic, WA. Many people confirmed this event's damage with pictures of buildings and hundreds of trees lost in small, localized areas.

CPC 8-14 Day Outlook: Temperature and Precipitation

The Climate Prediction Center 8-14 day outlook (valid July 21-27) continues to show a moderate chance of below normal precipitation (approx. 40-50%) for the end of July. The temperature 8-14 day outlook shows a moderate chance of above normal value (approx. 40-50%). 

The NWS Spokane website, Facebook, and Twitter will always keep you updated. See

 www.weather.gov/otx for the most current forecast.