Weather and Climate

 

Weather and climate change; words seemingly in the news almost each day. Ask anyone what Seattle's weather is like and you'll hear words like rainy, cool, wet, stormy and drizzly. Temperatures within a 20 mile radius of downtown Seattle can vary as much as 15 degrees. Often many visitors to downtown Seattle are surprised by the amount of abundant sunshine and lack of precipitation.

Many factors account for the disparity of weather conditions throughout the region. What are some of these conditions that cause weather to vary from location to location? And while there's no doubt that the climate has changed in this region, what will the future bring, Ice sheets? Melted Glaciers? Will Seattle's weather resemble that of Los Angeles? Will Puget Sound be covered by ice as it was 15,000 years ago? Are unusual storms, extremely heavy rain or snow the results of climate changes?

 

What are the weather predictions for this upcoming fall and winter? Early predictions foretell a drier, but a colder than normal pattern for the Northwest. Forecasters had originally thought last year's La Niña would weken and become more neutral.

 

Forecast for temperature deviation for winter 2011- 2012

NOAA

 

It now appears that the will La Niña strengthen, although not at last year's level. This condition and other factors will be the main determinates for what weather along the Pacific coast will be like this winter and early spring.

 

 
The bigger question this year will be the affects of the Arctic Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation will play in determining the Northwest's winter. more

 

Forecast for winter 2011-2012 precipitation

NOAA