Summary:
- August was warmer than average over the west, with most areas 2-7°F above normal* while the Four Corners region was closer to average. Higher humidity and higher nighttime temperatures continued from July.
- Rainfall in August was mostly due to monsoon moisture in eastern California across the Great Basin, and southwest, while the west coast zone into the inland PNW remained dry with continuing drought concerns.
- Exceptionally warm start to September in California. Most of the west will see warmer than average conditions in the short term. Continued monsoon moisture is likely for the southwest, otherwise dry elsewhere.
- September is expected to continue the warmer than average temperatures over most of the west through mid-month or later. Slight chance of showers or drizzle in the Puget Sound over the next couple of weeks and continued monsoon moisture and the potential for precipitation in the southwest across to Texas.
- Harvest has started in California but lagging in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The 90-day forecast is holding to warmer and drier than normal for September, potentially wet and cool in October, and dry with a near normal to warm November over most of the west.
