A “Mountain Hugger” storm drifts behind Pagosa Peak…so far, storms are staying in the mountains. © 2023-Mark Langford
Friday 7-21-2023. 11am update.
The past…
At Stevens Field the high yesterday was 90 degrees. The low this morning was a mild 54 degrees. Winds gusted to 33mph yesterday and our humidity bottomed out at 13% yesterday afternoon.
Precipitation summary: There was no measurable precipitation to summarize yesterday!
Pagosa Springs historical data for July 19th.
| Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
| 82 | 93/ 1989 | 46 | 35/ 1958 |
*** Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the lower elevations of San Juan National Forest. The minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions is $530. ***
Enjoy the season of Rain and Relaxation!
$25 Discounted Local Rate Available 9 am – 10 pm, 7-Days a Week
*Must have a valid state-issued ID, with residence within 60 miles*
Forecast discussion…
As the headline suggests, despite daily rain chances, so far, our afternoon storms are staying in the mountains. The monsoon has not gotten the memo! With the ridge of high pressure setting up to our west this weekend and our upper-level flow switching to the NW, there is a better chance that if storms form, they will move off of the mountains and into the valley. That all sounds good on paper, but a NW flow also is a drier flow, so the odds of storms forming will be less. By early next week, the high pressure will move to our east, allowing a better fetch of moisture from the SW and increasing the odds for better rainfall totals.
5-Day Forecast…
The rest of the day: Partly cloudy and warm with a chance for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80’s to low 90’s. Winds SW 10-15, with gusts to 25mph.
Rainfall totals 0-0.05.
Saturday-Wednesday: Partly cloudy with a chance for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40’s to low 50’s and highs in the mid to upper 80’s. Winds SW 10-15, with gusts to 25mph. Daily rainfall totals 0-0.05 inches.
Check out my Pagosa Peak Cam (myearthcam.com) for watching hikers, bikers and of course, the weather.
