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| Media Coverage

Washington state on track for warmest December on record — again

This month is set to be the warmest Washington December on record, breaking a record that was just set in 2023. Flooding did boost reservoir storage, but it would have been preferable to receive that precipitation more slowly and as snow instead of rain. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Northwest Enters Winter After Warmest Fall on Record

Our region’s snowpack, which melts to constitute the water supply when the season turns dry and hot, is simply not piling up. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Even with climate change, a flood-resilient future is possible

As Washington state’s Climatologist Guillaume Mauger reminds us, today’s floods are a window into our future. By strengthening our lines of defense, we can become more resilient and continue to thrive in the great Northwest. 

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| Media Coverage

‘Christmastown’ Faces Climate Reality After Brutal Northwest Storms

Two weeks of “atmospheric river” deluges took a toll on business in Leavenworth, Wash., and beyond, reminding the region that a warming planet has brought new uncertainty. As the planet warms, state climatologists expect temperatures will continue to rise and the snowpack will shrink in the Cascades. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.  

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| Media Coverage

Western Washington faces a long recovery after record-breaking flooding

A warmer atmosphere can hold more water, while the warming Pacific Ocean provides more moisture. This means that the duration and strength of these atmospheric river events are increasing. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Lawmakers must make Washington more resilient to worsening floods

High snow levels during the December floods exacerbated flooding and also contributed to our ongoing snowpack. These are the types of flood events we expect to see more often in the future. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

La Niña’s historic fury mapped and measured

The Pacific Northwest has a rainy reputation. But not like this. An onslaught of destructive weather in December has broken records, flooded rivers, forced evacuations, caused widespread power outages and dazzled meteorologists. The prolonged nature of the event and high snow levels were significant contributing factors for the flooding. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted.  

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| Media Coverage

Harassment at The Station, Flood Info From a Climate Expert, and Cozy Weekend Recs

The hosts talk with our state climatologist to understand what we know about the link between recent atmospheric rivers and climate change. Flooding on the Skagit River was around a 1 in 25-year event, and climate change is likely to continue to lead to a higher ratio of rain to snow during precipitation events. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger’s segment begins at timestamp 00:14:12.  

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| Media Coverage

Rains help fill reservoirs, but warmer storms have put Oregon in a snowpack deficit

Following a three-year drought cycle, this August to November saw record warm temperatures for the region. Recent heavy rains have benefitted reservoir levels, especially in Washington, but a series of warm storms have led to a slow start to the snow season across Oregon and Washington. Precipitation deficits in central and southern Oregon have further limited snowpack growth. Engagement Climatologist with the Washington State Climate Office Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

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| Media Coverage

Flooding is a familiar foe on the Lummi Reservation

Floodwaters cut off two of three main roads in and out of the Lummi Nation last week, prompting the Lummi Nation to declare a state of emergency. There are not enough long-term gauges available in the basin to say for certain if flooding has changed historically, but this recent flooding event and major flooding back in 2021 have renewed concerns about future flooding vulnerability along the Nooksack. Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted. 

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