Folks, it's dry - be fire wise

As we linger on the dry side of precipitation in our region, it’s prudent to check dedicated weather sources that, as part of their work, speak to near-future weather and wildfire conditions.

Let’s start with the Office of Predictive Services at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. A specific comment is made in the June 1 Wildland Fire Potential Outlook that addresses the Northwest region: “The driest area in the region is the Columbia Basin. Green up is variable or completed. Brush, salt cedar, and cedars are receptive and abnormally dry.”

Many variables are at play when scientists develop their predictions for near-future fire conditions. One variable is snowpack and Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). To our north is Moses Mountain, one of many sites with equipment that measures snowfall and SWE. In Early February 2021, Moses Mountain had its greatest snowfall measurement at 49 inches. The largest SWE occurred in late March 2021 at 17.1 inches. As of June first, both readings are zero.

Looking at the Northwest Snow Water Equivalent map showing the percentage of the 1981-2010 average, the Upper Columbia is 108 percent. This is the region is to our north. The Central Columbia is 56 percent; it’s the region to our west. These data are from early June 2021.

It’s a difficult task to predict temperature and precipitation for the next three months. Though here is what the National Climate Prediction Center is showing currently for our location through August. There is a 50% chance of above-normal temperatures and a 40% chance of below-normal precipitation.

The United States Drought Monitor is showing Grant, Douglas and Lincoln counties in D2 Drought conditions. D2 means “Severe Drought.” The National Drought Mitigation Center operates at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. The center is a partnership that includes U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Let’s take a look at the weather data for the month of May 2021. The following data is from my home weather station. Weather data will vary depending on the collection point. The high temperature was 89.5˚F on May 31st, and the low was 36.3 on May 9th. The mean temperature for May was 60.2. The all-time high for May was 100˚ in 1986, and the all-time low was 27˚ in 1954. The all-time mean temperature is 58.5˚F.

Precipitation for May was on the light side. My rain gauge measured just 0.16 inches. The all-time maximum was 5.52 inches way back in 1948. The all-time minimum was 0.04 inches in 1938, and the all-time mean is 1.15 inches. Yes, it’s fair to say May 2021 was on the dry side.

We are experiencing generally clear night skies nowadays. What planets can we see during June nights? Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mercury are all visible in June. EarthSky.com states, “The brightest planet Venus and red planet Mars remain fixtures of the early evening sky throughout June 2021. You can find giant planet Jupiter and ringed Saturn in June 2021 late at night and in the hours before sunrise. Mercury — the innermost planet — isn’t easily visible in June 2021. This planet is low in the west after sunset when the month begins.”

If you find yourself in eastern North or South Dakota or east and southeast of there on June 10, watch for the Annular Solar Eclipse on that date. EarthSky.com tells us, “In the United States, northerly and easterly locations will enjoy an advantage: a deeper eclipse will remain in view for a longer period after sunrise. For instance, from New York City, the eclipse magnitude will reach a whopping 0.80 (80%). And, from there, the eclipse will last for 1 hour and 6 minutes after sunup.”