Our weather today reminds me of summer weather in Seattle, WA. This photo was taken on a sailing trip in Elliot Bay in 2016. Photo by Mark Langford
Saturday – 30 Jul 2022 – 9:45am update.
The past…
The high on Wednesday at Stevens Field was 70 and the low this morning was 55. Our highest wind gust was only 16mph and our humidity bottomed out at only 55%. Rainfall was less than forecast, but most of us at least recorded some precipitation.
Forecast discussion…
A cool and cloudy day yesterday felt nice but may have put a damper on our afternoon storms and showers as we only saw light rain totals for most of our area. With clouds around this morning, and almost the same conditions as yesterday, I’m expecting lighter rain totals again today, but there is always the chance for some heavy downpours in our current moist conditions. The Weather Prediction Center has placed Archuleta County in the Yellow Zone (10-20% chance) for excessive rainfall today.
As has been the case all week, we continue to be sandwiched between a ridge to our north and one over Texas. Moisture in the mid-levels and surface is flowing into our area, increasing our precipitable water values to over an inch (monsoon conditions).
The Grand Junction radar is down for maintenance until August 2nd. Our only coverage until then will be from Albuquerque, NM, which only goes to HWY 160 and Alamosa’s which can only be seen using the MMRS radar viewer and covers some areas east of town, including Wolf Creek Pass. Here is the link to the MMRS site: Op Product Viewer (noaa.gov)
For all of you visiting our beautiful area, please be careful when you go out on hikes, especially in the afternoons. Totally clear mornings can quickly turn into stormy afternoons with 20-30 degree drop in temps, heavy rain, hail, lightning and gusty winds over 40mph! Make sure you pack rain gear because being wet when temps drop to the 50’s can be more than uncomfortable…it can be dangerous.
My forecast…
Pagosa Springs historical data for July 30th
| Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
| 83 | 93/ 1947 | 47 | 35 / 1950 |
Call 877-841-0247 for our “dial up and text” forecast.
Check out my Pagosa Peak Cam (myearthcam.com) for watching hikers, bikers and of course, the weather.
-Mark Langford
