Rain outlook brightens
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories
PENDLETON – The National Weather Service is calling for above average precipitation for October in the Columbia Basin, and National Weather Service hydrologist Marilyn Lohmann said the future forecast is optimistic.
“The outlook does call for improvement through the winter season, but some areas may still see drought conditions as we head into spring,” she said.
September precipitation was 0.06 inches above normal in Pendleton, 0.30 inches in Hermiston, and 0.01 inches in Walla Walla. Meanwhile, the area remains gripped in extreme to exceptional drought conditions. There is a chance of rain forecast for Sunday through Monday.
With drought conditions in the area ranging from extreme to exceptional, it will take a great deal of precipitation to reverse that trend. The water year ended Sept. 30. Pendleton measured 4.99 inches, which is 3.67 inches below normal. Hermiston absorbed 5.37 inches, which is 5.07 inches below normal. In Walla Walla, the water year precipitation was 11.41 inches, which is 9.44 inches below normal.
