Climate Impacts Group

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. 

WA wind touches everything, even at the bottom of the ocean

Everything you want to know about wind in Washington. Emeritus Climatologist Nick Bond is referenced. 

Despite early snowfall, Methow Valley remains ‘abnormally dry’ this winter

Although the Methow Valley looks and feels plenty wintry these days, the valley is designated as “abnormally dry” by the U.S. Drought Monitor, and snowpack in nearby mountains is below normal. Temperature and precipitation observations from the Washington State Climate Office are mentioned.

NW CASC Seeks Postdoc Focused on Coastal Squeeze