An Unusually Dry Period Ahead
La Nina conditions, with high pressure along the coast, will bring dry conditions to the Northwest for 7-9 days.
Nov 11, 2022•6 min
Weather with Cliff Mass
Atmospheric scientist Cliff Mass provides a weekly weather forecast for the Pacific Northwest, details current and future weather topics, and discusses related topics. Podcast is released every Friday at 9am.
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Episodes
The Wet/Cold Forecast Ahead and the Local Challenges of Northwest Snow Prediction
I start with the forecast, with everything from heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, and then describe the challenges of predicting snow in our region.
Nov 04, 2022•14 min
A cool and potentially snowy period ahead
My podcast talks about some active weather ahead, with cooler than normal temperatures this week...and the potential for a major snow-producer in the mountains starting next Sunday! Even the lowlands might see some flakes!
Oct 29, 2022•6 min
Was Global Warming Behind the Recent Smoky Period in Western Washington?
Will global warming increase the chances of westside wildfires in the Northwest? Was climate change behind the recent fires and smoke west of the Cascade crest? I provide the answer in this podcast.
Oct 21, 2022•12 min
How far in time can we forecast the weather? And a view of the big weather change ahead.
When will the autumn rain return to the Northwest? I will tell you in this podcast. And I will take on the related issue: how far in time can meteorologists predict the weather? How has that changed over the past decades?
Oct 14, 2022•11 min
No Rain in Sight and Autumn Fog
Amazingly, the latest forecast models indicate no rain for the next 10 days. I will tell you the story about that. And in the second half of the podcast, will tell you why we are in the middle of fog season and why smoke can enhance fog formation.
Oct 07, 2022•9 min
How Have Hurricane Forecasts Changed? And a Warm. Dry Weekend Ahead
Hurricane Ian is in the news and this podcast describes how hurricane forecast skill has changed over the year and why. And I also provide an amazingly warm, dry forecast for the new week.
Sep 30, 2022•11 min
The Perfect SmokeStorm and A Perfect Weekend Ahead
How could a small, dying fire in the Cascades result in some of the worst air pollution in recent Seattle history. I will explain how. And also provide you with a very promising forecast for the weekend.
Sep 23, 2022•11 min
The History of Wildfires over the Northwest and A Dry, Temperate and Snow-Free Week Ahead
My podcast will start with a very favorable weather forecast for our region--perfect temperatures, little smoke, and no rain. The bulk of the podcast will discuss the history of wildfires over the region, noting that summer smoke is our normal condition.
Sep 16, 2022•12 min
Smoke Forecast Over Western Washington, Wildfire Threats, and the 3D Nature of Northwest Smoke
This podcast takes on Northwest smoke. I explain how it is highly three-dimensional and why smoke can be visible aloft but never make it to the surface. I also give you the latest forecast, with warm/smoky conditions on Saturday followed by substantial improvement and cooling on Sunday.
Sep 09, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 23
No More Heatwaves, Smoke in eastern Washington, and Meteorological Fall is Here!
The signs are everything that meteorological fall is here in the Northwest and in the second segment I will tell you about them. In the forecast segment, I will talk about the upcoming cooldown, the end of heatwaves for the year, and describe the smoke plume moving into eastern Washington.
Sep 02, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Northwest microclimates and a very pleasant weekend ahead.
Tired of warm temperatures? This weekend will be the one for you with highs in the 70s in the west and 80s east of the Cascade crest. But one last heat event is ahead. In this podcast, I will not only provide the forecast, but tell you about local microclimates and what causes them.
Aug 26, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 21
What controls Northwest humidity and a pleasant weekend ahead
We have experienced unusual humidity during the past week. Why? I will describe what controls the "stickiness" of the air in our region. But before I do that I will review the forecast, which is quite favorable for this weekend, followed by another warm spell on Wednesday and Thursday.
Aug 19, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 20
A Below-Normal Wildfire Season, But the Big Wildfire Period is Ahead. Plus, the Forecast
This has been a below-normal wildfire season over the western U.S., but we should not get complacent! Historically, the most dangerous wildifre period is about to start, ironically because of cooling temperatures. I will explain the meteorology of the prime, late-summer wildfire period. And I will start the podcast with a very pleasant summer forecast for the west, but one with toasty temperatures mid-week in the east.
Aug 12, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Weather Signs in the Sky and the Roller Coaster Forecast for the Next Week
Weather forecast models are great, but there are potent weather signs in the sky that provide advanced notice of weather changes. I will talk about a few local weather signs here in the Northwest. And I also discuss the latest forecast, with warming ahead followed by a cooling crash on Wednesday. The Northwest weather roller coaster continues!
Aug 05, 2022•12 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Did Global Warming Create this Heat Wave? And the End of the Heat in Sight.
This podcast explains an apparent contradiction: the region is slowly warming yet extreme heat waves are not increasing over time. It is an interesting story not covered in the media. And I also provide the latest forecast, with the heat wave continuing over the weekend and ending abruptly with a major cool down on Monday.
Jul 29, 2022•14 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Potential For a Good Auroral Show Tonight and the Upcoming Heat Wave
A storm on the Sun's surface should result in a major aurora event tonight that could well be visible in the Northwest. My podcast provides the details. And I also talk about a major warm up this week, that should bring temperatures in the low-90s in the west and over 100F in the Columbia Basin.
Jul 22, 2022•10 min
Why is late July so dry in the Pacific Northwest? And a mixed forecast for this weekend.
We are just about to enter the climatologically driest time of the year in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, we are one of the driest locations in the country in late July. But why? The reasons are discussed in my podcast. And I will also review the weekend forecast, which will be a bit cooler and cloudier than normal. The cause? That pesky low pressure near our coast.
Jul 15, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Why was it so humid this week? And the dry, warm weather ahead.
People were complaining about humidity this week. I tell you why our humidity is generally low in the Northwest and why it got sticky this week. I also give the forecast for the upcoming week, which includes a mini-heat wave and no rain.
Jul 08, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 18
The July 4th Forecast and The Secret Sauce for Northwest Thunderstorms
This weekend will be one of extremes...from warm to rain...and I provide a detailed forecast. Some locations will get thunderstorms. In my second segment, I explain why thunderstorms are infrequent in our region and the secret sauce needed to bring boomers to our region.
Jul 01, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Weekend Warmth and the Secrets of Northwest Heatwaves.
This podcast describes the warm weather ahead and tell you about the inner workings of Northwest heatwaves.
Jun 24, 2022•13 min
The Origins of the Yellowstone Flooding and the Weekend Forecast
Yellowstone Park and its vicinity experienced record-breaking flooding last week and this podcast will tell you why it happened. And I also provide the weekend forecast and a look into next week. We will start with showers and then "enjoy" a bad case of June gloom.
Jun 17, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 15
The Origin of Turbulence While Flying
Why do planes sometimes bounce around in the air? What are the causes of the turbulence you experience while flying? In this podcast, I will explain the several causes of these sometimes unpleasant motions.
Jun 10, 2022•8 min•Season 3Ep. 16
ANOTHER Wet Weekend and Why Do Thunderstorms Like the Mountain Crests?
It is clear to anyone living here for long that thunderstorms and convective showers prefer the high terrain of our region. Why? I will answer the question in this podcast. And I will give you the soggy forecast, with a month's worth of rain, falling during one week!
Jun 03, 2022•9 min•Season 3Ep. 15
The Detailed Memorial Day Weekend Forecast Plus the Historical Perspective
This weekend is going to be a mixed bag weatherwise, with both rain and sun. I will tell you when and where you can escape the murk. How ofter is Memorial Day weekend sunny and warm in western Washington? What is the long-term trend in the weekend's weather? All will be revealed in the second part of my podcast!
May 27, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Is there a drought in eastern Washington? And finally a decent weekend!
This podcast starts with the forecast, which promises sunny, warm weather over the lowlands of both sides of the Cascades. Showers in the mountains, though. And then I take on the hype and exaggeration regarding eastern Washington drought, describing the favorable conditions for water supplies in that region.
May 20, 2022•12 min•Season 3Ep. 14
The Secrets of Surface Temperature...and A Forecast I Wish I Did Not Have to Give
There are variations in temperatures near the surface and just underground that are both interesting and valuable to know about....in fact, a little knowledge can save your life. I will explain in my podcast. And then there is the forecast, which projects a continuation of our dismal spring weather. Against my will, I give you the details.
May 13, 2022•9 min
Triple Dip La Nina and a Wet Week Ahead
It is looking likely that an unusual triple-dip La Nina is in store: three La Nina years in row. I will explain about this phenomenon and discuss the implications. I will also talk about the weekend forecast and the outlook for the next week. Spoiler: you won't need your sunglasses.
May 06, 2022•12 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Knowing about temperature can save your life. Plus the weekend forecast.
Knowing the difference between surface air temperature, found on your smartphone or reported on TV, and the temperatures of the ground can save your life. I will explain in the podcast. I also supply the weekend forecast, with lots of rain, but with one day that will be dry and relatively warm.
Apr 29, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 12
What does the Northwest get so little lightning? And a nice weekend ahead,
I am often asked why the Northwest has so little lightning.....so I thought I would answer the question in this podcast. And, of course, I provide the latest forecast...which is quite favorable for this weekend...so get ready for outdoor fun.
Apr 22, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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