Record Temperatures Across Puget Sound Break Decades-Old Records

The high temperatures are attributed to a strengthening ridge of high pressure over western Washington and British Columbia, combined with thermal low pressure west of the Cascades. This setup promotes offshore winds, driving temperatures well above normal for early May. The unseasonably warm temperatures exacerbate existing concerns about water resources due to reduced snowpack. Precipitation is increasingly falling as rain rather than snow, which cannot be effectively captured by existing reservoirs. This trend, combined with El Niño conditions, could lead to hotter and drier conditions throughout the summer. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation levels through mid-May, further compounding the situation. The increased daylight hours in May, with Seattle gaining about 20 minutes of sunset every two weeks, do little to offset the impacts of the heat and dryness. Historically, May is a drier month in Seattle, averaging just under 2 inches of rain.

What caused the record-breaking temperatures?

** The combination of high pressure over western Washington and thermal low pressure west of the Cascades led to the unseasonably warm temperatures.

What are the implications of the warm weather?

** The warm weather exacerbates drought concerns, impacts snowpack levels, and can affect water availability for cities, farms, and ecosystems.

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