Washington State Climate Office |

Washington State Climate Office

Reliable climate information for a resilient Washington State

We support communities and decision-makers across the state with training, resources, and research on climate in Washington.

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News and Events

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May 12, 2026 | Climate Outlook, May 2026 Newsletter

Early May Climate Outlook

Key Messages:

ENSO-neutral conditions have emerged in the Tropical Pacific, officially ending this past winter’s La Niña.

A relatively rapid transition to El Niño conditions is likely by early summer, then El Niño conditions are likely to continue to strengthen into the fall.

May 12, 2026 | May 2026 Newsletter, Snowpack and Drought Summary

April 2026 Snowpack and Drought Summary

Key Messages:

As of early May, statewide snowpack is at 33% of median. Many basins in the central and southern Cascades currently have less than 20% of their median snowpack.

Warm and dry conditions have caused snow to melt more quickly than normal this spring.

Climate Matters

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A photograph of Cle Elum Dam. Turquoise water sits below the dam on a sunny day.

May 12, 2026 | Climate Matters, Drought and Soil Conditions, May 2026 Newsletter, Rain and Snow

Full Reservoirs Only Meet One-Third of Total Demand in the Yakima Basin

Winter Recap: Snowpack Near Record Lows Following Warm Winter
Conditions this winter were quite remarkable. Statewide, November through March was the second warmest such period since at least 1895, surpassed only by the exceptionally mild winter of 2014-2015.

Statewide Conditions

+2.1°F

Temperature

April 2026 Departure from 1991-2020 Normal

72%

Precipitation

April 2026 Percent of 1991-2020 Normal

26%

Snow

May 12th Statewide SWE percent of 1991-2020 median

Washington State Climate Office