Climate Impacts Group

La Niña or ‘La Nada’? WA starts winter with solid snowpack

Snowpack so far this winter is off to a decent start — though it’s too early in the season to make any sweeping conclusions, and broad swathes of Central and Eastern Washington are considered abnormally dry or suffering from drought. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is quoted. 

What’s new in WA snow country in winter 2024

After last season’s lackluster El Niño winter in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, atmospheric models predicted a return of La Niña. This naturally occurring global climate phenomenon is a favorite among Northwestern skiers and snowboarders, as it typically delivers cooler, wetter weather to our region. State climatologist emeritus Nick Bond is quoted.  

Video: Talking about climate and weather with the Washington State Climate Office

A look inside Washington State Climate Office, featuring State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger and Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco. 

It’s a La Niña winter – or is it? Why there’s uncertainty and how it will affect WA weather

We’ve known for a while that the upcoming winter was expected to see the effects of La Niña. But as the calendar turns to December, the weather pattern still hasn’t emerged. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Will La Niña help produce snow in Seattle this winter?

State climatologists are eyeing historical records of recent La Niña winters in the Pacific Northwest as a clue of what might be waiting in the wings. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

How a powerful bomb cyclone ravaged the Northwest

Bomb cyclones are common enough, but rarely form as far south as this one did and gather so much strength so quickly. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

WA’s snowpack was bad last year. Could La Niña bring relief?

Meteorologists say they are expecting a climatic switch this winter to weather patterns known as La Niña. On average, that means cooler temperatures and wetter conditions, meaning better chances for snow in the Cascades. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

What does a ‘weak La Niña’ even mean? And what can Washington expect this winter?

A “wimpy La Niña” has been slated for winter 2024-25 in the Pacific Northwest, with normal temperatures, but also maybe cooler-than-normal temperatures. Emeritus Washington State Climatologist Nick Bond is quoted.  

I-5 reopens after mudslide blocks freeway in central Bellingham

A raft of mud slid onto Interstate 5 early Sunday, October 27, as rains hammered Bellingham, leading to a roughly 10-hour closure of the arterial route. Since the turn of the 21st century, there has not been an hour that has come close to the total of 1.42 inches that fell shortly before the slide. Bond is quoted. 

They came to Asheville looking for a ‘climate haven.’ Then came Hurricane Helene

Many people have moved to Asheville in recent years in search of a climate haven.

Now, Asheville is one of many places facing death and widespread destruction because of Hurricane Helene. NW CASC University Director and CIG Senior Scientist Meade Krosby is quoted.