Climate Matters: The CoCoRaHS Rain Gauge Network and a Tale of Two Hydrologic Extremes

On November 14-15, 2021, 4.67” of rain fell at Bellingham International Airport, setting a new record for that location. This storm brought with it the most devastating flood that Whatcom County has seen in decades. 

Early December Climate Outlook

Key Messages

La Niña conditions remain in place, likely returning to neutral conditions by January-March.

December’s outlook indicates a slight chance of wetter than normal conditions in eastern Washington, but high uncertainty overall.  

November and Fall 2025 Climate Summary

Key Messages: 

November temperatures were above normal statewide (7th warmest since 1895) with the largest departures from normal across the Columbia Basin and northeastern Washington. 

Precipitation was below normal across the Pacific Coast, central and southern Cascades, and southeastern Washington. 

November 2025 Drought and Snowpack Update

Key Messages: 

Snowpack is currently below normal in all major basins across the state 

Storms were warm, bringing mostly rain instead of snow. Drier than normal conditions occurred across the Olympics and portions of the southwestern Cascades which limited snowpack growth. 

November Notable Weather Events

Key Messages: 

Temperatures were above normal statewide due to both mild daytime maximums and mild nighttime minimums. 
Atmospheric river events on November 1-3 and 5-8 brought heavy rainfall to western Washington.