September is here and so is a change in our weather pattern. Rain returned to the region last Friday as we entered the normally wet “new moon” lunar phase. Prior to the shower activity, the last time Coeur d’Alene saw any measurable rainfall was Aug. 9 when .43 inches was reported. Last month, Cliff’s station only received 0.66 inches of moisture compared to the normal of 1.23 inches.

Many have enjoyed the summer weather for 2016 across the Inland Northwest. Unfortunately for those sun worshippers, the warm season is winding down and fall is just around the corner. By the way, the first day of fall, which is also called the Fall or Autumnal Equinox, begins at 7:21 a.m. on Sept. 22.

While most of us observe the fall season later this month, the “meteorological summer” season ended on Aug.31. Sept. 22 is the beginning of the astronomical summer, which is based on the position of the Earth relative to the sun. In just over two weeks, the sun will be at 90 degrees, or directly overhead, at the Equator. The next time the sun’s rays will be over the Equator will be the first day of spring, which is called the Vernal or Spring Equinox. That will happen on March 20, 2017.

Although we base our seasons on the calendar, most meteorologists and climatologists break down the seasons into groups of three months. For example, the meteorological summer includes June, July and August. The meteorological fall begins on Sept. 1 and ends Nov. 30. The meteorological winter is from December through February and the spring includes March, April and May.

According to NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, meteorological seasons are primarily based upon annual temperature cycles. For example, we really start to feel the chilly weather in December and the summer conditions in June. The spring and fall are considered to be “transitional” periods. This system actually makes it easier for scientists and forecasters to calculate monthly and seasonal statistics. They were created for observing and forecasting weather patterns, which has proven useful for agriculture, commerce and other purposes.

As we get closer to the astronomical fall season, our daylight hours are decreasing with each day. During the fall and spring equinoxes, every location receives approximately 12 hours of day and night. Elevation and location within the time zone usually create slight variances for sunrise and sunset times on first days of fall and spring.

So how did we end up for the meteorological summer of 2016 in Coeur d’Alene? Overall, it was drier and a bit cooler than normal.

June was slightly warmer than normal. The average high was 76 degrees with an average low of 51. The normals are 75 and 48. There were 5 days with highs at or above 90 degrees with a record 94 and 96 degrees on June 5 and 6. June was drier than average as we only received .99 inches of rain, which was about half of normal.

In July, the average high was 80 degrees and there were 4 days with readings at or above 90 degrees. The average low was 54 degrees. So, the average high for the month was below the normal of 85 degrees while the low was a bit warmer than the normal of 53 degrees. There were only 3 days in July with 90-degree temperatures. Precipitation totals ended up at 1.11 inches in July, which was above the .92 average.

For August, the average high was 83 degrees, a tad under 85 degree normal. Our average low last month was 52 degrees, about 2 degrees higher than normal. There were 7 days with high temperatures at or above 90 degrees. Precipitation ended up at .66 inches last month compared to the normal of 1.23 inches.

In terms of our local weather, we should continue to see occasional rain showers across the region through the rest of the week. Then, high pressure should rebuild and give us some sunshine and warm afternoon temperatures during the second full week of September. I think we’re done with the 90-degree heat, but there will still be a number of afternoon where you’ll need the short sleeves.

The next chance of wet weather is expected as we approach the first day of fall. October still looks drier than normal, but things should start to become much more active by the middle of November. Remember, we still think the chances are good for higher than normal snowfall totals across the Inland Northwest as sea-surface temperatures continue to cool down. So far, it looks really good for the upcoming ski season.

Contact Randy Mann at randy@longrangeweather.com