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.
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What is the driest place 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.
Where is the best climate in Washington state?
Chelan, Tri-cities, and Spokane are highly favored for weather. Most cities west of the Cascade mountain range get a fair vit of rain.
Where does it rain the least in Washington state?
Areas in the most extreme part of this rain shadow receive only about 16 to 20 inches of rainfall per year, only half of what the Seattle/Tacoma area receives! This driest area centers around Sequim, which appears to be the driest town in all of Western Washington, with a bare 16 inches of yearly rainfall.
How long has Washington been 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.
Where is the sunniest place in Washington state?
Sequim
Sequim, 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.
What is the sunniest area in Washington state?
Sequim
Each year, it receives an average of 120 inches of rainfall. Yet a mere 70 miles away, clear-skied Sequim averages just 16 inches. Nicknamed “sunny Sequim,” it is located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, just as Yakima is in the rain shadow of the Cascades, explained Loyd.
Which city in WA 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!
What is the coldest city in Washington state?
Geography and climate
Winthrop and Mazama recorded the coldest temperature ever measured in Washington state at –48 °F (–44.4 °C) on December 30, 1968.
Where is the warmest place to live in Washington?
PROSSER, Wash. – As Washington state emerges from its most blistering summer on record, the state’s hottest place was, ironically, an area known for giant irrigation sprinklers and well-tended orchards and vineyards.
What is the rainiest city in Washington state?
The town of Forks, at the northwest corner of Washington State’s Olympic Penninsula, is where people living in this region endure the greatest amount of rain.
Highest Total Precipitation.
| Place | Inches | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen Reservoir, Washington | 130.6 | 3317 |
| Laurel Mountain, Oregon | 122.3 | 3106 |
| Forks, Washington | 119.7 | 3041 |
Why is Washington so Rainy?
Wet Weather of the Pacific Northwest
Low pressure systems are one of the main reasons the Pacific Northwest is so wet and rainy. Building in the Gulf of Alaska, these storms barrel right toward Oregon, Washington, and Canada, dumping condensation on the way.
Is Washington State humid or dry?
Oh The Humidity. Which State Is The Most Humid?
| State | Average RH | Average Dew Point |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 71.7% | 35.9°F |
| Washington | 71.4% | 39.7°F |
| Wisconsin | 71.6% | 37.1°F |
| West Virginia | 69.7% | 42.8°F |
What is the rainiest city in the US?
The wettest city in the U.S. is Hilo, Hawaii, where it rains 211 days a year. Interestingly, Hilo gets between 10 and 40 times as much rain as some other parts of the Big Island.
What is the longest it has ever rained?
Cherrapunji, India, now holds the world record for two-day (48-hour) rainfall, with 2 493 millimeters (98.15 inches) recorded on 15–16 June 1995.
Is Western Washington having a drought?
The drought is uneven. Areas in Western Washington, in part of the Olympic Mountains and near Seattle are merely “abnormally dry.” Southwest Washington is experiencing moderate to severe drought. East of the Cascades, things get hairy, with drought ranging from severe to exceptional.
What is the cloudiest state?
Alaska
Many consider Alaska to be the cloudiest state in the nation, but actually, the majority of Alaska gets just as much sun as the Great Plains.
Is Seattle really cloudy all the time?
Seattle is the cloudiest major city in the Lower 48 states — 226 days a year with clouds covering more than three-quarters of the sky.
Is Washington state a good retirement state?
Washington is home to communities perfect for retirement.Washington has become a favorite state to retire because of the absence of a state income tax, low property tax rates, nice climate, outdoor activities, and great coffee.
Is Sequim sunnier than Seattle?
Sunshine during the summers in the rain shadow were nearly equal to Seattle. However, Sequim saw 5 times more sunny days than Seattle in winter.This dryer, sunnier climate is known as the rain shadow effect.
Why is Yuma so sunny?
Situated at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers, Yuma County boasts fertile soil and the temperate climate typical of the southwestern United States. Translation: Every season is the growing season here.
