Climate Impacts Group

For These Tribal Nations, Water Is a Through Line. And Now, a Threat.

For the tribal nations of the Pacific Northwest, water has been a through line, bringing spirituality and sustenance that have sustained communities for generations. Now, as climate change drives rising sea levels and increasingly brings devastating floodwaters to native lands, that same water is forcing coastal villages located in Washington State to adapt to protect their heritage. Director of the NWCASC Meade Krosby is quoted.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

‘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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

Letter from the Director – December 2025

Our hearts go out to the communities that have been affected by the devastating flooding across Washington state. Climate Impacts Group researchers have been briefing news stations on the science behind the severe weather and the likelihood of increased flooding in the future (see media mentions below). We remain committed to serving as a reliable resource on climate science and working in partnership to develop climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Building community is at the heart of our work, which is why it was a delight to see and talk with so many partners, alumni, and friends of the Climate Impacts Group at our recent 30th anniversary celebration on Dec.