what is the climate of eastern washington

Is Eastern Washington High desert?

High Desert Environment of Eastern Washington Thanks to the tall peaks of the Cascades, Washington experiences a massive rain shadow, allowing for a particularly dry climate throughout the entire eastern side of the state, the place to go for summer river rafting, mountain biking, and year-round rock climbing.

Why are the climates of eastern and Western Washington so different?

Just as the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Mountains influence Western Washington, the Cascade Range affects the weather and climate in the eastern part of the state. The Cascades capture most of the rain that would otherwise fall in Eastern Washington.

Does Eastern Washington get snow?

Snowfall varies from 10" (254mm) in the Puget Sound area to 75" (1905mm) in eastern Washington. Snow remains on the ground until June at higher elevations, while mountain peaks above 2500 meters remain snow-capped throughout the summer.

What is Washington state climate?

Washington has two distinct climate zones. Mild, humid, summer days west of the Cascades rarely rise above 26°C (79°F), and winter days seldom drop below 8°C (46°F) while the east of the state has warm summers and cool winters.

Which part of Washington state has the best weather?

Tacoma, WA Despite the Pacific Northwest's reputation for rain, Tacoma has some of the best weather in the U.S.—it actually receives less rainfall each year on average than other major U.S. cities like Houston and New York!

Why is Eastern Washington a desert?

The Cascades create the rainshadow effect capturing moisture on the Seattle side of the slopes while leaving Eastern Washington with large areas of semi-arid and fully arid deserts. The Yakima Valley is considered to be a semi-arid region with 8 inches of rainfall, making it a desert area that is quite dry in nature.

What is winter like in eastern Washington?

Winter (December through February) Weather is far too cold this time of year in Eastern Washington to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 42.3°F (5.7°C) and 31.3°F (-0.4°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 6 times per month.

Why is Eastern Washington so windy?

As that air is forced against the Cascades, it squeezes through the passes and accelerates down the east slopes toward and intothe Kittitas valley. That's why...and when...it's often windy in that area. By the way, during the drier weather of the summer and early fall...and after fields have been plowed...

What is the sunniest part of Washington state?

SequimSequim, Washington If you're looking to stay somewhat local, consider a trip to Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. We know what you're thinking: There's no way to escape the cloud cover for hundreds of miles, but as it turns out, Sequim is the sunniest place in Western Washington.

Is Eastern WA in a drought?

Drought declaration lifted for Central & Eastern Washington As a result, no part of Washington is currently experiencing drought conditions. The decision to end the 2022 drought declaration came after the second-wettest May through June in Washington since 1895.

What zone is Eastern Washington state?

Hardiness zones, also known as growing or planting zones, are useful in knowing what will grow best in any area. Washington growing zones are wide-ranging and can be anywhere from 4a to 9a, although much of the state falls into the 6a (on the eastern half of the state) to 9a (on the western half) range.

How much rain does Eastern Washington get?

15 to 30 inchesAnnual precipitation ranges from seven to nine inches near the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, 15 to 30 inches along the eastern border and 75 to 90 inches near the summit of the Cascade Mountains. During July and August, it is not unusual for four to eight weeks to pass with only a few scattered showers.

Why is Eastern Washington so dry?

While the west half of the state is located in a rainy oceanic climate, the eastern half receives little rainfall due to the rainshadow created by the Cascade Mountains.

Where is the warmest place in Washington State?

Hottest temperature ever recorded: 120°F at Hanford on 29 June 2021. Lowest temperature ever recorded: -48°F at Mazama and Winthrop on 30 December 1968. Most rain in 24 hours: 14.26″ at Mt. Mitchell #2, 23-24 November 1986.

Where does it rain the least in Washington state?

In western Washington, the driest location is the rainshadow of the Olympics, where some locations, such as Sequim, enjoy 15-17 inches of precipitation per year. But if you are looking for REALLY dry conditions, you must head to southeastern Washington, where less than ten inches a year reaches the rain gauge.

What city gets the most snow in Washington State?

Mount Rainier and Mount Baker in Washington are the snowiest places in the United States which have weather stations, receiving 645 inches (1,640 cm) annually on average.

What is the tallest mountain in the state of Washington?

The region is surrounded on all sides by mountains: the Olympic range to the west, Cascade range to the east, Mt. Baker to the north and majestic Mt. Rainier, the tallest peak in the state, commands the view to the south.

What is the west side of Washington?

As the glaciers retreated during the last ice age, they carved their memories into the land. Western Washington is hilly and even mountainous in places with lots of rivers and lakes. This includes the three lakes that dictate the geography ...

How does the Cascade Range affect the weather?

Just as the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Mountains influence Western Washington, the Cascade Range affects the weather and climate in the eastern part of the state. The Cascades capture most of the rain that would otherwise fall in Eastern Washington. The mountains can get up to 200 inches (508 cm) of snowfall a year, ...

What are the two parts of Washington?

The Cascade Mountain Range divides the state into two parts – Western Washington and Eastern Washington. Western Washington is the most densely populated; approximately 60% of the state’s population lives west of the mountains. Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver and Bellingham are all located on the west side of the state.

How tall is the Columbia Gorge?

The Columbia Gorge, with its spectacularly eroded walls that rise up 3,000 feet (76.2 m) from the Columbia River, adds to the natural beauty of this part of the state. The river’s hydroelectric dams provide renewable, low-cost energy to businesses throughout Washington.

Is Central Washington hot or cold?

In terms of geography, Central Washington is almost plains-like, ...

Does Washington State rain?

When it comes to climate and geography, Washington State is a study in contrasts. While there is a somewhat common perception that it rains all the time in Washington, Seattle actually ranks 44th among major U.S. cities, getting less rainfall annually than Boston, New York, Houston and Miami.

What is the climate in eastern Washington?

A significant difference between Eastern Washington and the western half of the state is its climate. While the west half of the state is located in a rainy oceanic climate, the eastern half receives little rainfall due to the rainshadow created by the Cascade Mountains.

Why is the east side of Washington hotter than the west?

Also, due to being farther from the sea, the east side has both hotter summers and colder winters than the west. Most communities in Eastern Washington, for example, have significant yearly snowfall, while in the west snowfall is minimal and not seen every year.

What are the names of the counties in Eastern Washington?

Eastern Washington is composed of Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties . Some definitions also include part of Skamania County that lies east of the ridge line of the Cascade Mountains.

What is the largest city in Washington?

Cities. Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington and the metropolitan center of the Inland Empire region. The following cities and towns in Eastern Washington have over 10,000 inhabitants.

What is the lowest elevation in Washington?

Lowest elevation. ( Columbia River at White Salmon. ~80) 79 ft (24 m) Population. (2019) 1,641,900. Eastern Washington is the region of the U.S. state of Washington located east of the Cascade Range. It contains the city of Spokane (the second largest city in the state), the Tri-Cities, the Columbia River and the Grand Coulee Dam, ...

How many universities are there in Eastern Washington?

Eastern Washington hosts a number of world-renowned universities including three of the state's five public universities.

Where are dry falls in Washington?

Dry Falls in the semi-desert Channeled Scablands that dominate much of eastern Washington.

How much snow does Washington have in a year?

Washington's average annual snowfall of 18.4 inches indicates that it is less snowy than most states in the United States. December is the snowiest month in Washington with 6.4 inches of snow, and 5 months of the year have significant snowfall. Created with Highcharts 9.1.2. Chart context menu.

How many sunny days does Washington have?

On average, there are 165 sunny days per year in Washington. The US average is 205 sunny days. Washington gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 137 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure.

What is weather in science?

Weather is how the atmosphere is behaving and its effects upon life and human activities. Weather can change from minute-to-minute. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure.

What is the most pleasant month in Washington?

August, July and September are the most pleasant months in the state of Washington, while December and January are the least comfortable months.

Is weather the same as climate?

YOU SHOULD KNOW. Many people confuse weather and climate but they are different. Weather is the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere is over long periods of time. Weather is how the atmosphere is behaving and its effects upon life and human activities.

Is humidity low in Washington?

Humidity is low in the state of Washington, and some people might find the dryness to be uncomfortable. Days with noticeable humidity are rare throughout the year. A very dry climate can lead to cracked, itchy skin and dry eyes.

What is the weather like in Eastern Washington?

In the cities in Eastern Washington, the weather can really vary depending on where you're at. For instance, Wenatchee and Chelan enjoy around 300 days of sunshine annually. Summers are also quite hot on this side of the state, with average temperatures reaching the low 90s. But overall, this side of the state makes for a great place to enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, such as at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

What are the geographical regions of Washington?

Washington has seven different geographical regions that include the fields of the Columbia Basin, the peaks of the Cascades and the Pacific coastline. Due to this geographical diversity, temperatures vary greatly depending on ...

How much rain does Spokane get?

In Spokane on the eastern side, rainfall averages only 15 to 30 inches a year, whereas in Seattle, on the western side, precipitation averages 37 inches a year. In the center of the state, rainfall averages just 7 to 9 inches a year.

When to travel to Seattle?

On the west coast of the state lies Seattle. Since most of the rain in Seattle falls during the winter months, travelers should opt to go between May and November when the weather is usually dry and warmer.

Which state has the least rain?

Debunking the Rainfall Myth. Washington has a reputation for being one of the rainiest states in the U.S., but that's actually not the case. In fact, Seattle gets less rainfall than New York and Boston.

Is it bad to rain in Washington?

So the rain situation isn't as bad as people think it is. The issue is more that there is no distinct rainy season, meaning it can rain throughout the year. If it does happen to rain while you are in Washington, there are still many activities you can do. For example, Seattle has tons of indoor options, like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and the interesting Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.

Is it rare to see snow in Washington?

It's also rare to see snow in Western Washington in the winter, though rain is common. Most of Washington's major cities are on the west side, including Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle. This means you'll probably have decent weather no matter what time of the year you travel here.

How cold is Washington State in winter?

Temperatures are generally quite cold, ranging from 23 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 C to 5 C) across most of the state.

What is the topography of Washington State?

The topography and the large bodies of water create incredibly varied and often dynamic weather conditions in the western section of Washington State. Western Washington' s topography is quite complex, with the relatively-young Olympic Mountain Range occupying the Olympic Peninsula. The sea-level cities along the east side ...

How much rain does it get in September?

Contrary to what most visitors believe, early fall is mostly sunny and dry; the average rainfall in September is just under two inches. By October, temperatures drop slightly, averaging around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C) and rains increase significantly (to six inches) come November.

What is the most fertile growing area in Washington State?

Eastern Washington. Much of the land east of the Cascade Mountains is arid, either high desert or pine forest. While irrigation has allowed eastern Washington State to become one of the most fertile growing regions in the world, the region's natural foliage includes a whole lot of sagebrush.

Which ocean is the most humid in Puget Sound?

The Pacific Ocean, which extends into the more sheltered Puget Sound, both moderates the temperature and adds moisture to the local climate. Rain tends to get squeezed out of the clouds on the west side of both the Olympic and the Cascade Mountains.

Which part of Washington State is the most populated?

The most populated area, which extends from Olympia to Bellingham along the east side of Puget Sound, is also impacted by varied weather conditions. Whidbey Island and Bellingham, which face the Strait of Juan de Fuca, tend to be much windier than most of Western Washington State.

Which city in Washington is the rainiest?

Cities west and southwest of the Olympic Mountain Range, such as Forks and Quinault, are among the rainiest in the United States. Cities on the east and northeast side of the Olympics are in the rain shadow and are consequently among the sunnier and drier locales of Western Washington.

What is the eastern part of Washington?

Eastern Washington. This section of the state is part of the large inland basin between the Cascade and Rocky Mountains. In an easterly and northerly direction, the Rocky Mountains shield the inland basin from the winter season's cold air masses traveling southward across Canada.

Where is the driest area in Washington?

This belt in the "rain shadow" of the Olympic Mountains is the driest area in western Washington. The average annual precipitation ranges from about 18 inches new Sequim, Port Townsend and Coupeville to between 25 and 30 inches in the vicinity of Everett on the east, Port Angeles on the west and Olga in the San Juan Islands on the north. Measurable precipitation is recorded on three to five days each month in summer and on 17 to 22 days in winter.

What is the central plains area of Washington?

The Central Basin includes the Ellensburg valley, the central plains area in the Columbia basin south from the Waterville Plateau to the Oregon border and east to near the Palouse River. The elevation increases from approximately 400 feet at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers to 1,300 feet near the Waterville Plateau and 1,800 feet along the eastern edge of the area. This is the lowest and driest section in eastern Washington. Annual precipitation ranges from seven inches in the drier localities along the southern slopes of the Saddle Mountains, Frenchman Hills and east of Rattlesnake Mountains, to 15 inches in the vicinity of the Blue Mountains. Summer precipitation is usually associated with thunderstorms. During July and August, it is not unusual for four to six weeks to pass without measurable rainfall.

What is the result of the warming and drying of air as it descends along the lee (eastern)?

Warming and drying of air as it descends along the lee (eastern) slopes of the Cascade Range results in near desert conditions in the lowest section of the Columbia Basin. Another orographic lifting of the air occurs as it flows eastward from the lowest elevations of the Inland Basin toward the Rocky Mountains. This lifting of air results in a gradual increase in precipitation from the lowest section of the basin to the higher elevations along the eastern border of the state.

How many days of cloudy weather are there in the Cascade Mountains?

The average number of clear or only partly cloudy days each month varies from four to eight in winter, eight to 15 in spring and fall, and 15 to 20 in summer.

What river flows through Washington?

The Columbia River, draining approximately 259,000 square miles in the Pacific Northwest and second only to the Mississippi River in volume flow, enters near the northeastern corner of the state and flows in a semi-circular pattern through eastern Washington. Before reaching the Pacific Ocean, it forms most of the boundary between Washington and Oregon, draining all of eastern Washington and the western slope of the Cascade Mountains between Mt. Rainier and the southern border. In addition to providing water for vast irrigation and hydroelectric projects, the Columbia River is a navigable stream for ocean vessels to ports at Vancouver and Portland and for river barges into eastern Washington. Principal tributaries of the Columbia in Washington include the Pend Oreille, Spokane, Snake and Cowlitz Rivers.

How high are the Cascade Mountains in Washington?

The Cascade Mountains, 90 to 125 miles inland and 4,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation, are a topographic and climatic barrier separating the state into eastern and western Washington. The higher, wider and more rugged sections are in the northern part of the state.

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