The Olympics intercept the moisture from the Pacific Ocean, so Seattle is less rainy in all seasons than the parts of Washington state between the Olympics and open Pacific; this exacerbates Seattle’s summer dryness and reduces most winter rainfall to drizzles.
Why is it so dry in Seattle?
Since cold air can not hold much water vapor, even a slight amount of water vapor produces a modestly high RH. But with high pressure inland, there is offshore (easterly flow), so that the air is heading westward.
Why is Washington state so dry?
As the air descends, it warms adiabatically. This warming process makes condensation and precipitation even less likely because warm air is able to hold more moisture than cool air. This process results in a rain shadow desert for the eastern half of Washington.
Is it humid or dry in Seattle?
To my surprise, though, I found out that Seattle is actually one of the most humid cities in the US. In fact, according to one online publication, Seattle is ranked as the 38th most humid city in the United States.
Why is Seattle so dry in the summer?
As explained in my recent podcast (see below), the origin of the dry conditions is clear: during summer, the storm-bearing jet stream moves north of us, and the cool Pacific and an east Pacific high-pressure area lessen our chances of getting thunderstorms. Weeks or more without rain is not unusual in our region.
What is the most humid city in the US?
#1. San Francisco. Topping the list of the most humid cities in America is San Francisco. This coastal city in California is as humid as it gets.
How long has Seattle without rain?
Seattle’s dry spell quenched, ending 51-day streak without measurable rain. The 2021 dry streak is tied for second-longest ever recorded with the first being set in 1951. SEATTLE — It’s officially over, Seattle. The dry streak has finally ended.
Does Seattle have enough water?
The short answer: we’re okay. SPU has about 40 billion gallons of water in active storage, which is almost exactly the twenty-year average amount for this point in the year. At our most recent rate of consumption, that’s over 200 days of water — more than enough to take us into the rainy season.
What state gets the most rain?
Hawaii
Hawaii, a US state in Oceania, has the wettest climate in the US, with a mean annual precipitation of 63.70 inches.
Is Seattle in a drought 2022?
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.
Do you need humidifier in Seattle?
That’s why we at Ballard recommend a humidifier for your home, especially for the cooler months. It helps to maintain the necessary humidity in your Seattle home, making everything, including you, run as it should.
What state is the most humid?
Alaska
You might be surprised to see that our most northern state tops this list, but there’s a reason that Alaska has the highest Relative Humidity (RH). Alaska has an average RH of 77%. The next highest state, Florida, comes in around 74% average RH.
Is Seattle getting sunnier?
SEATTLE — Over the last decade, Western Washington’s climate has become both warmer and wetter, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The federal agency updates its 30-year “climate normals” report every decade, and the latest includes changes analyzed from 2010 to 2020.
Does Seattle have 4 seasons?
In a broad sense, we really have only two seasons, wet and dry, said Logan Johnson, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Seattle. Calendar people, however, claim there are four.
Does it ever get hot in Seattle?
The warm season lasts for 2.8 months, from June 21 to September 13, with an average daily high temperature above 72°F. The hottest month of the year in Seattle is August, with an average high of 77°F and low of 58°F.
What is the rainiest month in Seattle?
November
A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the months: January, March, November and December. On average, November is the wettest month with 6.4 inch (162 mm) of precipitation. On average, July is the driest month with 0.6 inch (16 mm) of precipitation.
What U.S. state has the best weather year round?
California
Based on these criteria, California has the best weather of all 50 states. Coastal cities in south and central California, such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Barbara, experience only 20 inches of rain per year and temperatures typically between the low 60s and 85 degrees.
What are the 2 most humid cities in the US?
New Orleans has the highest relative humidity among big US cities, with an average of nearly 86 percent. The Louisiana city is followed closely by second-ranked Jacksonville, Florida. These numbers are annual averages based on humidity readings taken every three hours from 1961 to 1990.
What states don’t have humidity?
Least Humid States in the U.S.
States such as Nevada and Arizona have arid climates and are known for their deserts.
What is the longest it has ever rained?
An incredible 331 consecutive days of measurable rainfall were recorded at Manuawili Ranch, Maui, in 1939-40. If you include a trace of rain, the record is 881 consecutive days, or nearly three straight years, at Honomu Maki, Oahu, from 1913 to 1916.
Does it always rain in Seattle?
A: On average it rains about 150 days a year in Seattle, but the amount of rain isn’t much.