News | Washington State Climate Office

Dec 10, 2024 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Winds

Winter Wind Chill Temperatures in WA State

Regular readers of our newsletter are quite familiar with the usual temperature and precipitation patterns across Washington state during winter. On the regional scale there are notable differences between the maritime conditions prevailing west of the Cascades, and the more continental conditions on the east side.

Jan 10, 2023 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Rain and Snow

Freezing Rain in Washington State

Most everyone in the Puget Sound region on 23 December 2022 must have been impressed by the freezing rain that occurred that day. This event featured extremely slippery roadways and outside walkways; at least no one we have spoken with recalls a time when it was more treacherous to get around.

Mar 11, 2019 | Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation Patterns, Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Rain and Snow

Kona Storms and Winter Weather in WA State

As detailed here, the month of February 2019 will long be remembered for its snowy weather, especially in the lowlands of western Washington. We are not the only place that has experienced some unusual conditions – here we direct our attention to Hawaii, and in particular the “Kona” storm that slammed the state during the second week of the month.

Feb 6, 2019 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Climate Review, Extreme Cold

What a Blast: The Arctic-Air Outbreak of February 1989

This edition of the OWSC newsletter more or less coincides with the 30th anniversary of the severe cold snap of early February 1989. Last month we reviewed the record warm anomalies that occurred in January 1953; perhaps it makes some sense to take a look at the other side of the coin.

Mar 6, 2018 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Seasonal

Late Cold during Winters in Washington State

As reported above, the last 2 weeks of February were quite chilly, with numerous locations setting all-time lows for the date on the 23rd. Many places have had their coldest temperatures of this winter in late February, even though the nights are noticeably shorter than in December and January.

Jan 4, 2013 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold

Black Ice: A Serious Meteorological Threat

Big weather events get a lot of attention for good reason. Our major rain, snow, and wind storms are noticed by everyone and can produce substantial monetary damages and safety risks.

Feb 3, 2012 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Rain and Snow

The Western WA Snow and Ice Event of January 2012

The period of 14-19 January 2012 featured some heavy snowfall, and significant freezing rain, in the lowlands of western Washington. An overview of the meteorology behind this event, snowfall totals, and some of the local impacts of the week of wintry weather will be explored in this newsletter highlight.

Jan 5, 2012 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Rain and Snow

January 1950: A Remarkable Month for the PNW

The month of January 1950 is legendary in terms of the weather in the northwestern US. It is the coldest month on record for Washington State, with the mean of 14.5 degrees F amounting to almost 16 °F colder than the average January for the period of 1910 through 2009.

Nov 4, 2011 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold, Rain and Snow, Seasonal

The Timing of Seasonal Closures of Mountain Passes in WA State

Storms are beginning to roll into the Pacific Northwest more or less on cue with the usual start to the wet season. But when is it liable to cool down enough for snow in the high country and hence winter recreation?