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.
Read moreThe 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.
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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.
Read moreLocalized 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.
Read moreEasterly 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?
Read moreThe 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).
Read moreJanuary 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.
Read moreOn 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.
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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.
Read moreWeather 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.
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