JISAO’s Seasonal Coastal Ocean Prediction of the Ecosystem (J-SCOPE)
A coastal ocean prediction system, named J-SCOPE, has been recently developed for the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. J-SCOPE has been designed to provide quantitative forecasts of physical, chemical and biological ocean properties on time horizons of up to 9 months.
Read more1934 – The Warmest Year in WA State History
The devastating Dust Bowl drought of the 1930s is one of the most notable weather/climate events in US history. This drought was not restricted to the Great Plains, but instead at times extended across much of the country.
Read moreWestern WA Heat Waves
As we enter the summer months, it is timely to discuss a research paper that was recently published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology (Bumbaco et al. 2013). OWSC collaborated with the Oregon Climate Service at Oregon State University to examine the historical record of heat waves occurring west of the Cascade Mountains in both Washington and Oregon.
Read moreSummertime 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.
Read moreA Review of Winter 2012-2013
During September and October 2012, seasonal forecasts were indicating an increased likelihood of a drier and warmer winter than usual in Washington State due to the projected development of an El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Read moreWA State Tornadoes during Spring
The most significant tornado outbreak in Washington State history occurred on 5 April 1972. Clark County was hit particularly hard, with an early afternoon tornado of F3 intensity causing 6 fatalities and injuries to 300 others.
Read moreMean Monthly Winds in WA
We expect that most regular readers of this newsletter have a good idea of how mean temperatures and precipitation amounts vary across the state over the seasons. These elements are typically used to summarize the climate of a location.
Read moreReview of 2012: Climatic Averages and the Top 7 Weather Events
With 2012 now completed, we would like to review the year from a weather and climate perspective. First, the climatic averages of 2012 will be presented, along with how this past year compares to other years.
Read moreBlack Ice: A Serious Meteorological Threat
Big weather events get a lot of attention for good reason. Our major rain, snow, and wind storms are noticed by everyone and can produce substantial monetary damages and safety risks.
Read moreTemporal Characteristics of Winter Precipitation in WA
The period from mid-November through early December is often the rainiest part of the year for Washington. It is no secret that the west side of the state is typically blessed with more rainy days than the east side, but to what extent?
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