~Summer Around the Pacific Northwest~
Air Quality Alerts continue until further notice for parts of our forecast area * Click here for complete details.......
Exclusive Inland NW Summary Issued: Saturday, August 8, 2026 @ 4:50pm
WRITTEN BY: Climatologist Bob Lutz
(Summaries are issued as needed and will be updated more frequently during times of active weather)
SHORT-TERM FORECAST
The strong high pressure ridge to our south has weakened over the Inland Northwest, which will allow for cooler temperatures and a few clouds from time to time. The other element that will add to the cooler temperatures will be the areas of smoke and haze. Sometime after midweek, some moisture out of Canada may try to push a little further south, which could generate some shower activity in the northern zones. Otherwise, expect dangerously dry conditions to continue through much of the period. Due to the mostly westerly (zonal) upper-level airflow, it will be locally breezy during the afternoon hours as well.
LONG-TERM FORECAST
The overall pattern remains largely unchanged here in the West. That dominating desert SW high pressure ridge remains steadfast and will continue to pulsate into the Northwest. This will result in more heat and mostly dry weather. Subtropical moisture may try to push northward at times, which could lead to the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms going into the 3rd week of August. With all the wildfires burning throughout the Northwest, localized smoke and haze will also continue to be problematic.
General Short-Term Model Agreement: GOOD
General Long-Term Model Agreement: EXCELLENT
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to all those affected by the historic wildfires ripping through the Inland Northwest. Please consider making a donation by clicking on the icons below. Having been a part of the Oregon Road Fire Long-Term Recovery Team, I can attest to the fact that these two organizations will keep your donation local. In addition, Innovia has a much lower overhead, which means more of your money goes to the fire victims. Each link will take you directly to the local donation page...
