News | Washington State Climate Office

Aug 1, 2013 | Climate Matters, Climate Review, Extreme Heat

1934 – 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.

Jul 1, 2013 | Climate Matters, Extreme Heat

Western 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.

Jun 4, 2013 | Climate Matters, Drought and Soil Conditions, Seasonal

Summertime 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.

Apr 22, 2013 | Climate Events

A 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.

Apr 3, 2013 | Climate Matters, Severe Weather

WA 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.

Mar 5, 2013 | Climate Matters, Winds

Mean 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.

Feb 4, 2013 | Climate Matters, Climate Review

Review 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.

Jan 4, 2013 | Climate Matters, Extreme Cold

Black 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.

Dec 4, 2012 | Climate Matters, Rain and Snow

Temporal 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?

Nov 2, 2012 | Climate Matters, Climate Review

WA 2012 Water Year Summary

A water year in the Pacific Northwest begins on October 1 and ends on September 30, and is labeled by the year it ends in. According to the American Meteorological Society’s Glossary of Meteorology, “It commences with the start of the season of soil moisture recharge, includes the season of maximum runoff […] and concludes with the completion of the season of maximum evapotranspiration”.