News | Washington State Climate Office

Nov 5, 2020 | Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation Patterns, Climate Matters, El Niño/La Niña and Global Climate Oscillations, Marine, Temperature

A Tale of Two Sea Surface Temperatures

There is a strong indication that at least moderate, and possibly strong, La Niña conditions will be present during the upcoming winter of 2020-21. Many readers of this newsletter know of the implications for WA state, namely improved odds of seasonal mean weather on the wet and cool side and healthy snow totals in the mountains at the end of winter.

Oct 7, 2020 | Air Quality and Wildfire, Climate Events, Climate Matters, Temperature

Cooler Temperatures from the Smoke of September

The thick smoke that blanketed much of WA state during a stretch of days in September 2020 is apt to be long remembered. A visible satellite image from the morning of 12 September (Fig.

Sep 3, 2020 | Climate Matters, Climate Variability, Seasonal, Temperature, Winds

The Diurnal Cycle in Summer Temperatures in Washington State

Summer visitors to WA state are sometimes struck by how cool it is during the late night and early morning hours, and how late in the day it stays warm. This can be especially the case during our hottest weather, when peak temperatures often occur at 5 to 6 PM local time.

Jun 5, 2020 | Climate Matters, Seasonal, Temperature

Springtime Stream Temperatures in Washington

We have used this space to discuss ocean temperatures a number of times in recent years. Here, we will again consider water temperatures, but in this case for Washington State rivers, with a focus on the spring season.

Dec 5, 2019 | Climate Matters, Seasonal, Temperature

Localized Variations in Winter Minimum Temperatures

Recent cold overnight temperatures during Thanksgiving weekend 2019 have illustrated the variability from place to place that can emerge this time of year. There are many locations in WA state in which observing stations are not that far apart, but minimum temperatures vary substantially, particularly on clear, cold nights.

Nov 8, 2019 | Climate Matters, Seasonal, Temperature, Winds

Easterly Flow in the Passes of the Washington Cascades

The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass has the lowest base elevation (2,840’) of any ski resort in the western US. Given its low elevation and proximity to the Pacific Ocean and hence maritime air masses – the mean 850 hPa flow during winter is from the southwest at about 5 m/s – how is it cold enough to stay in business?

Oct 15, 2019 | Climate Matters, Humidity, Seasonal, Temperature

The Warm Nights of Summer 2019

The summer of 2019 included very near-normal daytime temperatures for Washington state. The mean maximum temperature anomaly for the state as a whole for the months of June through August was 0.3°F (relative to 1981-2010).

Jan 4, 2019 | Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation Patterns, Climate Events, Climate Matters, Climate Review, Rain and Snow, Temperature

January 1953: Largest Positive Monthly Temperature Anomaly in WA State History

Considering statewide averages, what would constitute a large monthly anomaly in temperature? And would we expect to see the largest monthly anomaly in winter or summer? At OWSC, these are the sorts of questions that we ask ourselves as we begin a new calendar year.

Sep 7, 2017 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Clouds and Fog, Temperature

On the “Great American Solar Eclipse”

While not a meteorological phenomenon, the historic “Great American Solar Eclipse” passed over the US on August 21, offering a view of at least a partial solar eclipse for the entire country, and deserves mention in this newsletter.

Aug 7, 2015 | Climate Matters, Extreme Heat, Humidity, Temperature, Trends

Minimum Temperatures on the Increase in Summer

OWSC is receiving a large number of inquiries about the hot weather this summer and whether it is due to global climate change. The short answer is no, and the recent weather should be thought of as a short-term climate event.