News | Washington State Climate Office

Jun 14, 2016 | Climate Matters, Seasonal, Trends

Long-term Trends in Spring Temperatures and Recent Conditions

If you’ve been a resident of WA State for only the last two years, you may be under the impression that summer comes early around here. The springs of 2015 and 2016 have been abnormally warm and dry for a majority of the state, lending a hand to this misimpression.

Oct 6, 2015 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Extreme Heat, Seasonal

Summer in Review: Increased Number of Hot Days

2015 has so far been much warmer than normal for Washington State, with January through August ranking as the warmest on record. The summer (defined as June through August) was also warm and set records as the warmest summer for the state, with temperatures 4.5°F above the 30-yr (1981-2010) normal when averaged statewide (Fig.

Nov 5, 2014 | Climate Matters, Seasonal, Severe Weather

Cold Season Thunderstorms in WA State

A previous newsletter (Aug 2010) included a piece on why thunderstorms are rare in WA State when compared to other parts of the country. Thunderstorms are revisited here, with a focus on their occurrence during the cold season.

Jun 3, 2014 | Climate Matters, Marine, Seasonal

The Blob: Warm Water off the Coast of the PNW and What it May Mean for Our Summer Weather

The Pacific Northwest experienced a period of seasonally quiet and dry weather from October 2013 into February 2014. This period also featured anomalously weak cooling of the upper ocean off our coast for the time of year.

Oct 2, 2013 | Climate Matters, Clouds and Fog, Seasonal

Early Autumn Fog in WA

Fog may not seem that dramatic of an element of the weather, but it can actually be a big deal and certainly represent a challenge for forecasters. An obvious impact of fog is on aircraft operations.

Jun 4, 2013 | Climate Matters, Drought and Soil Conditions, Seasonal

Summertime Evapotranspiration in Eastern WA

Evapotranspiration (ET) refers to the total flux of water vapor from the land to the atmosphere. It includes two contributions: (1) evaporation from the ground and (2) the loss of water from plants, or transpiration, primarily through their leaves.

Aug 3, 2012 | Air Quality and Wildfire, Climate Matters, Seasonal

Hot Summer Weather and Low-level Ozone Concentrations

Ozone (O3) is an important pollutant in many regions, especially during summer months, and Washington State is no exception. While O3 is beneficial in the upper-atmosphere through its absorption of damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it is harmful near the surface.

Jul 3, 2012 | Climate Matters, Rain and Snow, Seasonal, Temperature

Weather in WA State on the 4th of July

There is the common impression that the weather on the 4th of July is generally crummy, at least on the west side of Washington State. Here we take the opportunity to critically examine that perception, and to compare the climatology of that day on the west versus east side of the Cascade Mountains.

Jun 5, 2012 | Climate Matters, Flooding and Streamflow, Seasonal

High May Streamflow Conditions in WA

During May, there were numerous fatal accidents on WA Rivers that made headlines, along with a remarkable rescue. Two children died on the Chehalis River in separate incidents and an Everett City Councilman died on the Green River in a rafting accident.

Dec 5, 2011 | Climate Matters, Rain and Snow, Seasonal

What is the Chance of a White Christmas?

Many WA residents feel the same as Bing Crosby, our native son crooner who incidentally was born in Tacoma and raised in Spokane, and dream of a white Christmas. Others are not so keen on the idea, with memories of the treacherous streets and roads across most of Washington State during the holiday season of 2008.