Weather

September appears to have picked up right where August left off, with many regions across the Pacific Northwest reporting record or near record heat to start the month.   “We kicked off September on the 1st with a September record tying high of 112 degrees in Lancaster, CA," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "That wa...

The World Meteorological Association says the La Niña weather pattern will last through the end of 2022.  That’s the first time this century it will have lasted for three consecutive winters in the northern hemisphere.  La Niña conditions i...

China’s record heatwave is beginning to disappear, and farmers are assessing the damage caused by the lengthy dry spell.  Reuters said the Chinese government is urging its producers to replant or switch crops where they can.  Over 70 days of extreme temperatures and low rainfall have hit the country’s crops hard.  Rain is forecast ov...

Despite the spring rains we saw across much of the Pacific Northwest, drought conditions continue for much of Central and Eastern Oregon.  The water year officially ended in July, and Larry O’Neill, with the Oregon Climate Office, says conditions didn’t improve much in the last two months.   “The average...

It should come as no surprise that late summer features some of the lowest national pasture and rangeland conditions on an annual basis.  However, USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey pointed out things are a little worse this year compared to a "normal year'.  When it...

While a number of wildfires continue to burn across Oregon, state officials say they have not seen the mega-fires that were anticipated when the fire season started.  Christie Shaw with the Oregon State Fire Marshal said because of a lack of massive wildfires, to date, they’ve been able to be proactive when it comes to fighting the current blazes and where they put personnel.   “...

As many cattle producers are struggling with drought, its important to also use the situation to help plan for the future.  Rangeland and Ecology specialist, Dr. Laura Goodman, said there are several key things producers need to consider when it comes to developing a plan to address drought now.  ...

Back in June, the American Farm Bureau Federation distributed its third drought impact survey to members in 15 western states.  Danny Munch, AFBF economist, said the survey looked at a variety of demographics, including crop and livestock factors, as well as access to water, and what farmers are doing to cope with drought.  Th...

When we look back on July 2022, one word will come to mind, at least here in the Pacific Northwest.  Hot.  And it wasn't just our neck of the woods that saw extreme heat, but hot conditions were reported up and down the west coast, as well as across the southern Plains.  And Bra...

It may have taken a little while to get here, but wildfire season has descended upon the Pacific Northwest.  A hand full of fires are burning across the region, with the largest taking place in the mountains of central Idaho.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said thanks to several dry years, the next two months could be very active. "It is a b...