JACKSON, Wyo. — Warm temperatures persisted across Jackson Hole through the first five days of June, culminating with highs in the 80s on Friday, before a big cool-down occurred over the weekend. On Sunday, high temperatures were only in the upper 40s in the Jackson Hole Valley!
Rain has been intermittent over the past couple of days, but overall, amounts have been a little disappointing compared to what was forecasted. The Jackson Hole valley has picked up between 0.25-0.5 inches of rain since Saturday while the mountains have received 0.3-0.7 inches of precipitation along with some light snow.
Following a drier than average May, the Jackson Hole region could use some more good rains in June before the summer dry season (i.e. fire season) begins in July.
Mountain snowpack continued to decline over the past week. As of Monday morning, snow depths ranged from 46 inches at Grand Targhee to 37 inches at Togwotee Pass to 7 inches at Phillips Bench.
Weekly Weather Outlook – June 8-14
A cold airmass has settled into place across the Jackson Hole region on Monday morning, but we’re also experiencing a dry slot before more showers return around midday on Monday, thus the valley snow threat has been reduced. After a chilly and showery afternoon on Monday, we’ll see mostly quiet conditions from Tuesday through Friday with progressively warmer temperatures each day.
Monday:
A break in the precipitation is occurring on Monday morning, which will end up reducing the threat for valley snow as this would have been the prime window for snow to reach the valley floor due to colder temperatures and the time of day.
While it may seem like the system is over, that is not the case and this last round of precipitation will arrive around midday and continue into early evening before tapering off on Monday night.
Snow levels will be around 7,000-7,500 feet this afternoon, and possibly lower at times. We could see flakes mix in across the valley floor occasionally as well, and could also see some graupel.
In addition to the rain showers, there is also an outside chance of some lightning activity despite the cold airmass in place.
For areas above 9,000 feet, we should see additional snow amounts ranging from 1-4 inches today through the evening. Temperatures tonight will fall below freezing throughout the valley as skies begin to clear.
Tuesday:
A cool northwest flow will remain in place with highs in the upper 50s in the valley under a mix of sun and clouds. A stray shower or two could develop over the higher elevations during the afternoon or evening, but most areas will stay dry.
Wednesday-Friday:
A nice warming trend will occur as high pressure builds over the area. Friday will be the warmest day with a southerly flow developing and highs reaching the low 80s. There will be an outside chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm developing over the higher peaks each afternoon, but for the most part conditions will stay dry under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies.
Saturday-Sunday:
A trough of low pressure will approach this weekend, leading to more unsettled weather but not to the extent of what we have seen this past weekend. Scattered thunderstorms are likely to develop on Saturday afternoon and evening as the trough approaches. A cold front will then arrive late on Saturday, giving way to cooler temperatures and scattered showers on Sunday.
Alan Smith, Meteorologist
