Climate Matters: How Might El Niño Affect Washington This Winter?  

The past week’s cooler and wetter weather comes as a stark reminder that summer has begun to make room for fall here in the Pacific Northwest. With this seasonal shift, some of us are beginning to turn our attention to the upcoming winter, as a strong and potentially historic El Niño event continues to intensify in the tropical Pacific Ocean. 

Early September Climate Outlook

Key Messages:

El Niño continues to intensify in the tropical Pacific. 

We are virtually guaranteed to have a very strong El Niño continue through this winter. Read a more detailed write up of possible impacts in our Climate Matters piece.  

September 2026 Drought and Streamflow Update

Key Messages: 

Streamflows in mountain basins continue to run below to extremely below normal. Some stations in the Olympics and western Cascades have seen temporary boosts in streamflow thanks to beneficial rainfall in early September.  

August and Summer 2026 Climate Summary

Key Messages: 

Statewide temperatures were above normal in August.
Temperatures were warmest relative to normal in the Olympics, eastern slopes of the Cascades, and in the Blue Mountains.
Precipitation was well below normal for most of the state in August.