The Weather of the Pacific Northwest

The definitive local weather guide for newcomers and longtime residents alike

The definitive local weather guide for newcomers and longtime residents alike

Powerful Pacific storms strike the region. Otherworldly lenticular clouds often cap Mount Rainier. Rain shadows create sunny skies while torrential rain falls a few miles away. The Pineapple Express brings tropical moisture and warmth during Northwest winters. The Pacific Northwest produces some of the most distinctive and variable weather in North America, which is described with colorful and evocative language in this book.

Atmospheric scientist and blogger Cliff Mass, known for his ability to make complex science readily accessible to all, shares eyewitness accounts, historical episodes, and the latest meteorological knowledge. This updated, extensively illustrated, and expanded new edition features:

• A new chapter on the history of wildfires and their impact on air quality

• Analysis of recent floods and storms, including the Oso landslide of 2014, the 2016 “Ides of October” windstorm, and the tornado that damaged 250 homes in Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula in 2018

• Fresh insight on local weather phenomena such as “The Blob”

• Updates on the latest technological advances used in forecasting

• A new chapter on the meteorology of British Columbia

Highly readable and packed with useful scientific information, this indispensable guide is a go-to resource for outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, gardeners, and anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the complex and fascinating meteorology of the region.

Cliff Mass is professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington and widely considered the preeminent authority on Northwest weather. He has published dozens of articles on Northwest weather and leads the regional development of advanced weather prediction tools.

Cliff Mass, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, is the preeminent authority on Northwest weather and leads the regional development of advanced weather prediction tools.

"Written in a clear, simple style aimed at the layman, but with enough sophistication and detail to satisfy serious weather aficionados. Colorful photos and graphics enliven the text and make technical concepts easier to grasp."

"Nobody breathes more life into meteorology than Cliff Mass. His passion for weather and climate are contagious."—Shannon O’Donnell, chief meteorologist, KOMO TV, Seattle