  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Aurae Beidler Jun 9, 2008 |
I'm excited to write my first blog in NW U.S./ Alaska Travel! As an Oregonian, I enjoy this time of early in late spring as the hot summer temperatures are just around the corner. Although it is raining right now, we in the Northwest know that the summer sun will be upon us in the next month. We have a saying in Oregon that summer doesn't start until after the Fourth of July! I actually researched and wrote a blog about this at Meteorology & Climatology last week.
Most areas in the Northwest United States such as the states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Alaska, enjoy a much needed warming during this time of year. However, this year with an increased snowpack and record snowfall, some areas will take longer to thaw out. Some campgrounds in the Cascade and Rocky Mountains will not be opening until mid-summer, because they are still buried in snow!
Although tourist numbers increase during the summer, some may not know that the best times to visit the Oregon and Washington coast is actually in the autumn. Autumn means warmer temperatures and less chance for fog. During the summer, fog develops on the beaches when the valleys are hot. This inversion means the temperatures at the beaches can be 40 F cooler! Brrrr!
Make sure to pay attention to the weather and contact the Department of Transportation to make sure roads are open in rural areas.