Seattle sees 6-inch rain deficit for the year after a dry, warm May
Warm temperatures in May lead to the month ending in the second warmest May on record.
SEATTLE —
May almost broke the record warm and dry conditions to the Pacific Northwest.
During May 2023, Sea-Tac observed an average temperature of 60.9 degrees (including daytime highs and overnight lows). Normal in the month is 57.5. This makes May 2023 the second hottest May on record.
In addition, the total rainfall was below normal. On average, Sea-Tac observed 1.88 inches of rain in a typical May but recorded only 0.93 inches in 2023.
The deficit for that month exacerbated the scheduled deficit. In late May, Sea-Tac typically records 18.77 inches of rain. Through 2023, however, the Sea-Tac has grown only 12.8 inches so far, creating a 6-inch deficit.
Plus, the National Weather Service tweeted statistics revealing dry conditions, despite numerous “rainy days”.
May 2022 had 78 rainy days, but with 22.23 inches of rain, making it the 10th wettest month on record. In May 2023, there were 77 days of rain, but total rainfall was only 12.8 inches, making it the 10th driest in 79 years.
The Center for Climate Prediction has released its outlook for June and temperatures tend to be warmer than usual. The first week of June is forecast to have above-average temperatures.
This all happens as the La Niña pattern transitions to an El Niño pattern, which can mean warmer and drier conditions for the Pacific Northwest in winter.
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