Climate Impacts Group

Washington weather explained: The 10 most extreme microclimates in WA

Washington is a state with a wide variety of climate zones and localized ‘microclimates.’ This engaging piece notes the most notable microclimates across WA and what factors create these unique climate features in our state. Emeritus State Climatologist Nick Bond and Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise are featured.   

The Winter that Never Was

January brought warmer than normal temperatures and near record-breaking dry spells. Both factors contributed to worsening snowpack across the state. The Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

Q&A: UW researcher discusses how plants know when it’s time to bloom in the spring

This winter has been the warmest on record, which may lead to anomalous bloom times this Spring. Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

From December floods to February sunshine: Washington’s winter whiplash

From December’s flooding to January’s warm temperatures and less-than-average precipitation, this year’s winter has been particularly volatile. These observations offer a snapshot of northwest winters to come. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Washington seeks federal disaster aid for December flooding damage

The December 2025 flooding was triggered by intense atmospheric rivers. Warm conditions meant much of this precipitation fell as rain rather than snow, overwhelming river basins across Western Washington. The Washington State Climate Office is mentioned.  

La Nina releasing its less-than-icy grip over Northwest

The National Weather Service predicts a La Nina will exit soon, uncharacteristically leaving behind a puny snowpack in Oregon and Washington. Below-average temperatures triggered the La Nina, normally linked to colder and wetter winters in the Pacific Northwest. This winter, however, has been more typical of a strong El Nino, triggered by warm seas. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Snow is a no-show for much of the state

The snowpack at Harts Pass is healthy, but that’s the exception for Washington’s normally snowy mountains. Despite record-breaking rainstorms in December, this winter has been warmer and drier than usual, leaving most of the state with little to no snow. The overall state snowpack as of early February was lower than in 95% of all years in the historical record. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted.  

Pacific Northwest in historic snow drought

October through January marked the warmest first four months of the water year ever recorded in Washington, averaging more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Oregon snowpack at record low as Northwest faces deepening snow drought

Oregon’s snowpack has fallen to its lowest level on record for this time of year, part of a broader snow drought gripping the Pacific Northwest and raising concerns about water supplies, wildfire risk and impacts to farms and fisheries. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Letter from the Director – February 2026

Dear friend,

As we watch this winter’s weather unfold and keep a close eye on our very low snowpack conditions, we have also begun planning for summer – including preparing to welcome a new cohort of student interns through the EarthLab internship program! UW undergraduate students from all departments and campuses are eligible to apply for these paid positions, several of which are hosted within the Climate Impacts Group to support a wide range of our efforts to advance climate change adaptation. Please encourage students you know to consider applying!

On a personal note, I’m approaching my one-year anniversary at the UW Climate Impacts Group!