North Sound Weather Minute

I often get asked, does it always rain on this holiday weekend? This Podcast answers that question plus offers what this year's weekend looks like.

I was on duty with NWS Seattle blew on that May 18th. This Podcast recaps my person experience as we remember the initial eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980.

The combination of emerging warmer weather and cold area waterways is a leading cause of drownings in the region. This Podcast highlights the need for boating safety including the fun Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day and National Safe Boating Week.

Ongoing dry conditions are pointing to an early start to the wildfire season. This Podcast highlights the summer weather outlook and its ties to what may be an active wildfire season.

Just in time for Mother's Day Weekend, the weather looks good much to the delight of Mom. Listen for all the details with this Podcast.

This Podcast offers an April weather recap and looks ahead well into May. Learn what weather is in store for the North Sound now that May is well underway.

This Podcast addresses what will drive the warmest weather of the year thus far, plus no rain in sight. How warm and what to expect in the mountains is also highlighted, plus precautions for this unseasonably warm spring weather.

This Podcast addresses this listener's question and addresses when the sunshine will return and how warm it will get in the next week.

This Podcast answers that listener's question with historical details, plus safety tips.

The latest seasonal weather outlook was just released. This Podcast describes what the outlook is for the period of May all the way thru summer and into winter.....something quite unusual.

This Podcast explains what the Puget Sound Convergence Zone is and where it usually originates in the North Sound, plus its impacts.

This Podcast describes why the spring season is prime time for rainbows.

Gardeners - this Podcast highlights when the threat of frost or freezing weather usually ends, permitting putting those seasonal plantings in pots or in the ground. Listen for the details where you live.

April 1st usually marks the peak of the winter mountain snowpack. This Podcast describes what the April 1st snowpack looked like and what the impacts will be as the calendar rolls into summer and early fall - not good.

Spring has arrived and that also means allergy season is here as well. This Podcast describes the pollen offenders as spring rolls on into summer, and when some relief can be found.

In Washington state, March 31st is the deadline to remove studded tires. This Podcast highlights the deadline, what studded tires do to roadways, and what good alternatives are available instead of studded tires.

This Podcast describes what weather to expect as the Seattle Mariners open their season at home through this weekend.

This Podcast reviews the recent impactful weather as spring got underway, and a look ahead for the first full week of spring with a variety of expected weather. Results include the impact of last week's warm rain in the mountains and spring sunshine for the tail end of the week.

It's already been 12 years since the tragic SR 530/Oso Landslide on March 22nd. This Podcast remembers those who lost their lives and revisits what happened that day and since.

The spring equinox is just ahead. This Podcast highlights what this equinox means, its long cultural history, and its impacts in the coming weeks and months.

This Podcast addresses a big change in the North Sound's weather pattern heading into next week. Listen for the details as the spring equinox draws closer including the impacts in the mountains.

More typical winter weather is in store this week for the North Sound with showers and significant mountain snows. Learn all the details by listening.

It's that time of year again - time to 'spring forward' an hour from Standard Time to Daylight Time. Learn when that will happen and why we still tackle this task, plus remember to change your batteries too, by listening to this podcast.

The month of March kicks off the prime time of year when thunderstorms occur. Learn why that is the case and if there is another prime thunderstorm season, plus how to remain safe during these storms by listening to this podcast.

The first of March marks the date of the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history that occurred near Stevens Pass. Listen for all the details plus how those who venture into the backcountry can help be safer from avalanches.

Where were you on Feb 28th, 2001? That is when the Nisqually earthquake struck. This podcast reviews what happened, why it happened, and offers tips to get ready for the next big quake.

Six planets in the solar system will be aligned late this month. This Podcast describes when they can be seen in the western sky and how best to see this unique night sky event.

For some, wedding plans began on Valentine's Day. This podcast describes when is the best time of year to hold an outdoor wedding or any other big outdoor events in the North Sound.

The latest seasonal weather outlook was just released. This Podcast highlights what the outlook reveals for this spring and summer. Listen for the details and what they mean.

This Podcast addresses that question, why and how so cool this week, plus the latest mountain snowpack report and weather outlook for the rest of the month.

Could this big change to a wetter weather pattern be sustained heading into March? This Podcast describes the big change and what the impacts may be for at least the rest of February.

This Podcast addresses the current status of the well below mountain snowpack, and whether it can make a comeback before the season ends.

This Podcast highlights the annual National Weatherpersons Day on Feb 5th. Listen to learn who is behind the curtain providing the nation's weather information and warnings, and voice your gratitude for their around the clock service.

The deadliest avalanche in U.S. history occurred here back on Mar 1, 1910. This podcast reviews what happened plus what can be done to be safer and prepared when venturing into the backcountry today.

This Podcast describes the centuries of history behind Groundhog Day on Feb 2nd, including the meteorology behind what Punxsutawney Phil discovers upon exiting his burrow.

January 31st was the coldest day during a historic 6-week cold snap over 70 years ago. Learn all the details in this Podcast.

The mid-winter dry streak ended as rain returned to the North Sound. But will it continue? And what are the impacts including the meager mountain snowpack? This Podcast answers those questions and more.

This period of dry mid-winter weather seems unusually long. Is it a record? This Podcast highlights the current winter season dry streaks and whether this dry stretch will see any records. In addition, when will it finally rain? And what are the impacts later this year?

The current mid-January dry spell is not helping the already below average mountain snowpack. This Podcast describes what is driving the dry weather and when will it break.

The results from the 2025 NOAA Global Temperature and Precipitation Analysis reflect an ongoing warming trend. The numbers are startling. Listen for all the details including the impacts.

The first avalanche of the season unfortunately recently occurred. This Podcast explains how avalanches can occur and offers resources to help those in the backcountry to avoid avalanche hazard areas when needed.

The mountain snowpack has been catching up after a lousy start to the season. This Podcast provides an update on where the snowpack is now and what lies ahead in the coming week or so.

This Podcast answers several recent listener questions regarding whether it will snow soon. Listen for the details including perhaps a similar situation in 2025.

This Podcast is a poetic look back at the North Sound's 2025 weather in review. Enjoy!

On Boxing Day 2004, the devastating Sumatra earthquake and tsunami struck. This Podcast reviews what happened, reminds us the North Sound is in earthquake country, and what steps can be taken when that no notice shaker occurs.

What are the odds of a White Christmas in the North Sound? This Podcast offers those odds, some recent White Christmas' examples, and could it happen again this year.

It does not look like a White Christmas is in store, but a much cooler weather pattern with snow in the mountains is anticipated. Learn the details plus why this weather pattern is in place by listening.

This Podcast describes what is the winter solstice, when does it occur this season, and the global history of the solstice.

My latest Podcast highlights more rain coming with renewed flooding on some rivers expected, while remembering what happened in 2006 during this same time period. Listen for all the details.

This Podcast describes the results from the recent North Sound flooding. Were a few records broken? Listen to learn the answer and what else threatens heading into this weekend.

The wettest atmospheric river to hit the North Sound since 2022 arrives this week with heavy rainfall, flooding, coastal flooding, blustery winds, and a rising threat of landslides. Listen to this podcast for all the details.