We may as well review January’s rainfall from around the area before the next batch of showers arrives shortly: Rob Starr, Cougar, 19.16 inches; Jim Knoll, Five Corners, 6.87 inches; Robin Ruzek, Lakeshore, 4.94 inches; Chuck Houghten, Hockinson Heights, 7.76 inches; Tyler Mode, Battle Ground, 6.55 inches; Bob Mode, Minnehaha, 4.34 inches; Irv St. Germain, Prune Hill, 7.64 inches; Claudia Chiasson, Carson, 9.15 inches; Bill Sobolewski, Livingston Mountain, 9.92 inches; Dick Lenahan, Meadow Glade, 7.80 inches; Barry Fitzthum, Amboy, 9.19 inches; Phil Delany, above Dole Valley, 13.10 inches; and Dave Campbell, 1 mile west of Heisson, 8.49 inches. The official rainfall for Vancouver was 4.75 inches, 0.59 inches below average. Our friend Roland Derksen in Vancouver, B.C., recorded 9.83 inches. We managed to reach 68 degrees Friday in Vancouver, a new record for the date, breaking the old mark of 65 degrees in 1931. That must have been a warm time period, as we also set a new record high of 65 degrees Saturday, surpassing 64 degrees also in 1931. The high Friday was the warmest high temperature for so early in the year locally going back to 1895. What a record. Speaking of records, remember that hot spell late last June? It was an all-time high here of 115 degrees, but in Hanford, it was officially 120 degrees — the hottest temperature ever recorded in our state. Previously, the mark was 118 degrees in Wahluke on July 24, 1928, and at Ice Harbor Dam on Aug. 5, 1961. I enjoy watching records break, but hopefully we forgo those hot temperature marks this summer. Recall last year on this date? Although it may be 60 degrees or so today, last year it was only 30 degrees, with plenty of winter precipitation. I had so many reports last year, but 15 inches above Washougal was the highest, with 10 inches in Hazel Dell and 12 inches in Felida. The farther east of I-5 you went, the harder the wind was blowing. Temperatures were in the mid-20s. The snow was powdery and blew away in some places, piling up several feet deep in others. What a difference a year makes.

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