Climate Impacts Group

Port Gardner Storage Facility will allow Everett to meet state outflow requirements

The facility will temporarily store combined sewer and wastewater during storm events, protecting the bay from untreated releases. A study by the UW Climate Impacts Group is mentioned.  

Yakima Drought Continues as Low Reservoirs Threaten Agriculture

Snowpack is a crucial component of Washington’s water system, particularly in Yakima, where it acts as a natural reservoir, storing moisture during the wet season to be used in drier months. Last year’s low snowpack led to a drought emergency, and the state is still facing drought conditions. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.

Statewide drought to projected to continue

The Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are expressing concerns for the 2025 agricultural year after an Autumn with little rainfall and a Winter with little snow pack. Temperature and precipitation findings by the Washington State Climate Office are mentioned. 

Washington State Climate Office Launches New Website, Advancing Strategic Goals

Seattle, Wash. – The Washington State Climate Office (WASCO) has officially launched a new website and introduced an updated visual identity, marking a significant step forward in the Office’s ongoing evolution. This milestone comes nearly a year after the release of WASCO’s strategic plan and demonstrates a continued commitment to expanding climate services, strengthening science communication and community engagement, and supporting informed decision-making in the pursuit of state-wide and regional climate resilience using historical climate data and seasonal forecasts.

WASCO has undergone several major transitions over the past year. These include adopting a new name, welcoming Guillaume Mauger as the new State Climatologist, and expanding its team. 

Trump’s DEI Purge Comes at a Cost to Indigenous Communities

President Donald Trump’s purge of diversity initiatives has affected both federal agencies and the institutions they fund, including those that work with Indigenous communities. NW CASC University Director and CIG Senior Scientist Meade Krosby is quoted.

Welcome Jacob Genuise, Engagement Climatologist

We are excited to welcome Jacob Genuise to the Climate Impacts Group team! Jacob is joining us as an Engagement Climatologist with the Washington State Climate Office. Learn more about Jacob and his work.

WA’s sunny days spell trouble for snowpack

This January is on track to be one of the five driest on record in Seattle. Snowpack lags across much of Washington and the statewide drought emergency persists, foreshadowing a potentially hazardous summer. Federal reservoirs sit at a fraction of their normal capacity. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Welcome Becca Nixon, Climate Social Science Specialist!

We are excited to welcome Becca Nixon to the Climate Impacts Group team! Becca is joining us as a Climate Social Science Specialist with the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative. We asked Becca a couple of questions to get to know her better…

Snowboarders, skiers express concern over dwindling snowpack amid dry January

The sunny weather in January was a welcome sight for many in western Washington, but the unusually dry January is impacting the mountain snowpack, an important source of water. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is mentioned.

Why should WA care about moving air? The answer is blowing in the wind

Everything you want to know about the science of wind. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is quoted.