Our monthly newsletter features a Climate Matters article, detailing a specific aspect of Washington’s weather and climate. These articles are archived here and categorized by topic area and date.
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.
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?
Read moreWA 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”.
Read moreEarly Fall Storms in the PNW and their Connection to Western North Pacific Typhoons
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Columbus Day storm, by many measures the strongest extratropical storm to hit the lower 48 states in the past century. The Columbus Day storm formed out of the remnants of Typhoon Freda.
Read moreOn the Flavors of El Niño
It may seem that the climate community is often making a fuss about the phenomenon of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and this impression is correct. Why is there such an emphasis?
Read moreHot Summer Weather and Low-level Ozone Concentrations
Ozone (O3) is an important pollutant in many regions, especially during summer months, and Washington State is no exception. While O3 is beneficial in the upper-atmosphere through its absorption of damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it is harmful near the surface.
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.
Read moreHigh May Streamflow Conditions in WA
During May, there were numerous fatal accidents on WA Rivers that made headlines, along with a remarkable rescue. Two children died on the Chehalis River in separate incidents and an Everett City Councilman died on the Green River in a rafting accident.
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