Late August Climate Outlook
What’s Next for the Pacific Northwest?
Short Term: Persistent Heat Likely Through Early September
Dangerous heat is building across the Pacific Northwest this week and into the weekend. Warmer than normal temperatures are also expected to persist over the next couple of weeks, as illustrated in the Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Temperature Outlook below.
Our Afternoon Heat Comes Later
Editor’s note (08/13/2025 4:30pm): Time of day was previously shown in standard time on the graphs below, in error. The graphs and text are now updated to Pacific Daylight Time.
One of the things I really appreciate about living here is how late it stays light out.
Early August Climate Outlook
ENSO-neutral conditions are likely to continue through October according to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC). Neutral conditions make it more difficult to predict upcoming fall conditions. There are roughly equal chances of either La Niña or neutral ENSO conditions for the upcoming winter, with much lower chances of El Niño conditions.
Read moreJuly 2025 Climate Summary
July was the fourth consecutive month with below normal precipitation statewide in Washington. Statewide, July 2025 was the 22nd driest month since 1895 with an average of only 0.27” of precipitation.
July 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Streamflow continues to run well below normal in July 2025. The majority of basins are experiencing below normal (orange) or much below normal (red) streamflow. A few basins in northern Washington are experiencing record low flow.
Read moreJuly 2025 Notable Weather Events
July brought frequent warm spells across the state. In western Washington, July 16 brought the hottest temperatures of the season so far for most. On this day, SeaTac reached a high temperature of 94°F, and Seattle Sand Point WFO reached 95°F, breaking the previous daily record at Sand Point of 89°F set on July 16, 2018.
Read moreWebinar Registration open for Planning for Heat in the Puget Sound Region
The Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative is hosting a Planning for Heat in the Puget Sound Region webinar on August 12 from 2-3:30 pm PST.
Karin Bumbaco, WASCO’s Deputy State Climatologist, will be presenting on the new June 2021 heat wave synthesis paper, along with presenters from the Washington State Department of Health, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, and King County.
Mid July Climate Outlook
What’s Next for the Pacific Northwest?
Warmer and drier than normal conditions will likely persist through August
The CPCs one month outlook for August 2025 indicates elevated chances of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.
A New Paper Synthesizing Studies on the June 2021 Pacific Northwest Heat Wave Now Available
The June issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) featured a new paper synthesizing over 70 articles on the record-breaking June 2021 Pacific Northwest (PNW) heat wave. I am a co-author on the article, collaborating with experts at Oregon State University and Portland State University.
Read moreJune 2025 Drought and Streamflow Update
Warm and very dry conditions in June 2025 contributed to worsening drought conditions and declining streamflow statewide. June streamflow has dropped below normal as indicated on the monthly streamflow percentile map, courtesy of the USGS Water Watch.
Read more