Are you new to the area and having trouble understanding local weather terminology?
There are several weather terms local meteorologists use that are uniquely Western Washington.
Sunbreak: a small window of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day.
Example: "The forecast calls for showers and sun breaks."
Convergence Zone: area of localized rain caused by wind flowing around the Olympic Mountains and meeting (converging) over Puget Sound.
Example: "There are convergence zone showers near Everett."
June Gloom: stretch of cloudy, dreary weather in June when other parts of the country are quickly warming up.
Example: "I wish this June gloom would end, I haven't seen the sun in days!"
Rain Shadow: rain-free weather generated by sinking air on the leeward side of a mountain range.
Example: "There is a rain shadow downstream of the Olympics."
The Mountain is Out: a popular saying when you can actually see Mount Rainier (or Mount Baker) after a long absence due to cloudy weather.
Example: "Hey look, the mountain is out!"
Pineapple Express: flow of air with sub-tropical origin (occasionally from Hawaii), brings heavy rain and warmer than average temperatures during the winter months.
Example: "The pineapple express is bringing flooding rain to western Washington."
Fraser Valley Outflow: High pressure over British Columbia that drives strong wind and sometimes freezing temperatures through the Fraser River Valley.
Example: "A bitter cold snap in Bellingham caused by the Fraser Valley outflow."
