Climate Impacts Group

NW CASC is Now Accepting Applications for its 2026-27 Research Fellowship Program

An Olympic orientation: UW Climate Impacts Group and Washington Sea Grant pilot a learning institute for emerging environmental professionals

Many job orientations start in a lobby or a conference room. This one began at the scars left by a dam and wound its way to the mouth of a great river.

Sixteen emerging environmental professionals – of different backgrounds, but together undertaking a new chapter in their careers – gathered for lunch on the pebbly shore, waves lapping near where the Elwha empties itself into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the Olympic Peninsula. Their tour of the river was being led by Vanessa Castle of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Throughout the day, Castle had spoken to the group about the history of the Elwha. 

Tribes see increasing urgency to confront flooding threat

Impactful flooding in Alaska and Washington has tribal officials assessing their options. Major flooding — what used to be a once-in-a-lifetime event — threatens residents’ lives, infrastructure, and the natural viability of the rivers that sustains lifeways for local tribes. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger is interviewed around timestamp 39:35.

Much of the West is having its warmest winter on record — and it’s fueling a snow drought

The first half of winter was the warmest on record for an extraordinary swath of the West. While snowpack doesn’t typically peak until April, the slow start and uncertain forecast for the next three months is beginning to raise alarm from scientists. Engagement Climatologist Jacob Genuise is quoted. 

Apply now for the 2026 EarthLab Summer Internship Program!

EarthLab summer internships offer a robust, cohort-based experience for University of Washington undergraduate students. Undergraduate students currently enrolled as of Spring Quarter 2026 in a degree-granting program at any UW campus (Bothell, Seattle, or Tacoma) from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply. These paid 9-week internships will engage students in interdisciplinary and community-engaged research projects and will cover a variety of subjects. Interns will be provided professional development training and mentorship throughout. This year, the Climate Impacts Group will host seven (7) interns! 

Oregon, Washington, California set December heat records

A La Nina formed in the fall and that normally leads to below-average temperatures in the Northwest, but warm seas in the North Pacific and off the West Coast and background warming from climate change likely counteracted whatever force La Nina had. Washington Emeritus State Climatologist Nick Bond is quoted.  

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.