Summary:
- April 2022 was much cooler than average* for all locations north of the Bay Area with many areas experiencing the coldest April since 2010. Widespread frost was experienced over most of the western US wine regions.
- Northern California and much of the PNW experienced some sorely needed precipitation, doubling up what is normal in the month of April. However, already dry regions southward continued the ongoing dry winter into spring adding to the overall drought concerns. Over 90% of the west continues in some level of drought, with the most severe to exceptional drought conditions inching up to 37% of the western states. Given that we are headed in our driest months, chances for much drought improvement are not likely.
- For the short term, warm days will give way to a cool and wet weekend (wet at least for northern areas) which appears to linger into next week the further north you go. Drying southward but continued unseasonably cool.
- Mid-month appears to be when we turn the corner to warmer and drier conditions. But before then we have a short stretch of chilly air and possible frost in the most prone areas, especially further inland, at elevation, and if clear nights occur.
- Heading into summer, the forecast tilts the odds to warmer conditions over most of the west and the country. Since we are heading into our seasonally dry period, the forecast is saying to expect it to be normal or dry.
