News | Washington State Climate Office

Sep 27, 2015 | Air Quality and Wildfire, Climate Events, Climate Matters

The Yacolt Burn of 1902

This summer has included the largest fire (the Okanogan Complex) in WA state history and the most acres burned since at least 2002. The vast majority of wildfires in WA occur east of the Cascade Range crest but that is not the only part of state that can face a serious threat.

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.

Jul 7, 2015 | Climate Events, Climate Matters, Climate Review, Extreme Heat

The Warm Month of July 1985 for Washington State

This month represents the 30th anniversary of the hottest month on record for WA state – July 1985 – in the last 100 years. In recognition of the relatively warm temperatures that have prevailed in this neck of the woods during the last couple of years or so as well as the record warm June 2015 temperatures, it seems appropriate to review the weather of July 1985.

Jun 5, 2015 | Climate Matters, Climate Review, Drought and Soil Conditions

Three Flavors of Drought in the PNW

With the topic of drought the focus of numerous local and national news stories of late – whether it’s the current Pacific Northwest (PNW) drought, the devastating multiyear California drought, or the torrential, drought-ending rains in Oklahoma and Texas – it is a good time to review a paper published in 2010 by current and former OWSC staff on different “flavors” of drought in the PNW.

May 6, 2015 | Climate Matters, Rain and Snow

Extreme Precipitation Events in Washington State during the month of May

One year ago (May 2014), this newsletter included a piece on the historical record of extreme short-term precipitation events in Washington state, with a focus on whether there were any noticeable trends in the frequency and intensity of these event.

Apr 23, 2015 | Climate Events

A Review of Winter 2014-2015

The summer and fall 2014 predictions for the winter of 2014-15 were favoring warm and dry conditions for WA State based mostly on the expectation of moderate El Niño development. The El Niño was late to develop, so how did the winter play out?

Apr 15, 2015 | Climate Events

Washington State Drought 2015

Narrative updated 5/15/15
Reports updated weekly through Sept 24, 2015
A record warm rainy season (October through March) in WA State has caused the majority of our precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow in the mountains.

Mar 4, 2015 | Climate Matters, Rain and Snow

March Snowfall in the Lowlands of Washington State

The subject of this piece may be cruelly ironic, given the lack of much cold weather and snow during this winter. On the other hand, perhaps some of the material here will represent a sort of comfort somewhat akin to that sought by fans of the Chicago Cubs.

Feb 15, 2015 | Climate Events

Climatic Averages and the Top Weather and Climate Events of 2014

With over a month of the New Year already behind us, we would like to review 2014 from a weather and climate perspective. Globally, 2014 ranked as the warmest year on record, but how did it stack up for Washington State?

Feb 4, 2015 | Climate Matters, Climate Review

Top Weather and Climate Events of 2014

With over a month of the New Year already behind us, we would like to review 2014 from a weather and climate perspective. Globally, 2014 ranked as the warmest year on record, but how did it stack up for Washington State?