Weather with Cliff Mass
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 237 ratingsAtmospheric 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
My Views on Global Warming and Climate Change
September 05, 2023 03:59 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBSeveral of you have asked me about my viewpoint on global warming and climate change. This podcast will outline my thoughts on this important subject and give you a bit of history and perspective.
A Wet Weekend Ahead and Why the New York Smoke Had Little to Do With Climate Change
June 14, 2023 04:48 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBThis week the weather will be near normal and relatively dry, but that changes radically over the weekend, as a strong Pacific low center moves in and sticks around in our area. I will briefly describe this situation before turning to a detailed analysis of the major smoke event that hit the East Coast, including an explanation of why global warming was only a minor player.
Where do you get the best weather forecasts? And a cool weak ahead.
April 17, 2023 19:26 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBThis podcast answers the question: where can you get the best weather forecast? Your smartphone?, from the National Weather Service website?, from your local TV weathercasters? or what? The answer may surprise you. And I also talk about the cool weak ahead.
Why is freezing at 32°F? And a snowy mountain forecast for this weekend.
March 31, 2023 17:44 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBThis podcast answers an interesting question: why is freezing at 32°F? Why not 50 or 0? And I talk about a return of moisture to the Northwest, with heavy snow expected in the mountains.
The end of La Nina and an El Nino Winter Ahead
March 19, 2023 14:25 - 7 minutes - 7.13 MBThis podcast talks about the recent termination of a 3-year La Nina and the near certainty of El Nino conditions ahead. The weather implications of the change are discussed as well.
Are cold waves increasing over the Northwest? And a transition to meteorological spring ahead.
March 08, 2023 04:02 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBSeveral blog readers have asked whether global warming is increasing West Coast cold waves. The answer is no, and in this podcast I explain why. Plus, I talk about an encouraging forecast for more normal conditions in our region.
How long are weather forecasts skillful?
March 01, 2023 04:34 - 9 minutes - 8.63 MBThis podcast answers the question: how long are weather predictions skillful? The answer may surprise you....
Wind, Cold, and Snow Ahead. Plus a Primer of Northwest Gaps
February 20, 2023 05:06 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBThis podcast tells the story of a cold, windy, snowy week ahead. And I provide the basics on the mountain gaps of the region and their influence on our weather.
A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Snow Event over Western Washington and Oregon
February 13, 2023 01:22 - 8 minutes - 7.92 MBWe are in the tail end of the lowland snow season west of the Cascade crest. But tomorrow and Tuesday some lowlands locations will see some snowflakes. This podcast does a deep dive into the event, explaining the complex meteorology that will occur over the next few days.
Plenty of rain and mountain snow this week. Plus, the two types of Northwest precipitation.
February 06, 2023 01:12 - 10 minutes - 9.49 MBA series of weather systems will come through this week. I will provide the details. Major enhancements in mountain snowpack are expected. And there is the potential for much colder weather in about a week. In the second half of the podcast I describe the two types of rain we get in our region and tell you why.
Why Does High Pressure Produce Low Clouds in the Northwest?, Plus the Latest Forecast
January 29, 2023 21:24 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBSeveral folks have asked my why high pressure produces low clouds in our region....this podcast explains why. Plus, a chilly, but sunny forecast.
Atmospheric Pressure, King Tides, and the Potential for Cold Air and Snow Next Weekend
January 22, 2023 18:36 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIn the second part of the podcast, I give you a primer on atmospheric pressure, with particular attention to the impact on water levels and the potential for King Tides. I also provide the forecast: not much action this week, but the potential for FAR colder air over the weekend. Yes, even that four-letter word, snow, for some locations.
The Big Dry is Coming and The Truth about the Pacific Data Void
January 15, 2023 23:51 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBAfter a few more days of showers, a big ridge will develop over the eastern Pacific, bring dry conditions and sun to the entire West Coast. After providing the forecast, I take on the claims of Pacific weather data voids and describe the ability of meteorologists to monitor the weather everywhere in three dimensions.
The Origin and Prediction of Atmospheric Rivers. Plus, the Weather Forecast for the Week Ahead
January 07, 2023 21:37 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBThis week I will take on the topic of atmospheric rivers-- the weather features that are now inundating California. And I provide the latest forecast for the next week.....not very exciting for the Northwest but threatening for California.
Where are the coldest and warmest areas of the Pacific Northwest during the winter?
December 30, 2022 21:29 - 7 minutes - 6.75 MBWith not much weather action for the next five days in Washington and Oregon, I skip the forecast today and talk about the mildest and coldest places in the Northwest during winter. Have a good new year!
The Story on Northwest Freezing Rain Events and a Major Shift in Our Weather
December 23, 2022 21:29 - 9 minutes - 8.8 MBThis podcast describes the nature of Northwest freezing rain events and describes the major shift to warm/wet weather this week.
Cold, High Pressure, and the Potential for Lowland Snow
December 16, 2022 22:07 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBThis podcast will talk about cold and very high pressure moving south out of Canada. Will record high pressure be observed in our region? And a detailed forecast for the cold and snow of the upcoming week.
Why Don't Clouds Fall Out of the Sky? And a Cool, Dry Pattern After This Weekend
December 09, 2022 19:47 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBClouds way millions of pounds but stay in the sky. I explain why. And I provide an interesting forecast for a wet start to the weekend, followed by very dry conditions.
Why is the air so dry? And the latest snow forecast for this weekend.
December 02, 2022 19:54 - 10 minutes - 9.48 MBWhy is the air so dry inside these days? I will explain why. And I will give an updated forecast regarding the potential for snow over our region.
The Thanksgiving Forecast and the Winter Weather of the Columbia Basin
November 18, 2022 17:42 - 8 minutes - 7.48 MBThis podcast starts with the forecast for the next week, with a very favorable forecast for Thanksgiving Day. I then turn to talk about the winter weather of the Columbia Basin, describing the "cold pool" that develops in its lower elevations, bringing low clouds and icy conditions.
An Unusually Dry Period Ahead
November 11, 2022 22:12 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBLa Nina conditions, with high pressure along the coast, will bring dry conditions to the Northwest for 7-9 days.
The Wet/Cold Forecast Ahead and the Local Challenges of Northwest Snow Prediction
November 04, 2022 18:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBI start with the forecast, with everything from heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, and then describe the challenges of predicting snow in our region.
A cool and potentially snowy period ahead
October 29, 2022 19:31 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBMy 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!
Was Global Warming Behind the Recent Smoky Period in Western Washington?
October 21, 2022 22:41 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBWill 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.
How far in time can we forecast the weather? And a view of the big weather change ahead.
October 14, 2022 19:31 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBWhen 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?
No Rain in Sight and Autumn Fog
October 07, 2022 18:34 - 8 minutes - 8.01 MBAmazingly, 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.
How Have Hurricane Forecasts Changed? And a Warm. Dry Weekend Ahead
September 30, 2022 20:02 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBHurricane 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.
The Perfect SmokeStorm and A Perfect Weekend Ahead
September 23, 2022 17:48 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBHow 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.
The History of Wildfires over the Northwest and A Dry, Temperate and Snow-Free Week Ahead
September 16, 2022 20:20 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBMy 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.
Smoke Forecast Over Western Washington, Wildfire Threats, and the 3D Nature of Northwest Smoke
September 09, 2022 21:05 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBThis 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.
No More Heatwaves, Smoke in eastern Washington, and Meteorological Fall is Here!
September 02, 2022 19:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBThe 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.
Northwest microclimates and a very pleasant weekend ahead.
August 26, 2022 21:19 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBTired 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.
What controls Northwest humidity and a pleasant weekend ahead
August 19, 2022 20:08 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBWe 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.
A Below-Normal Wildfire Season, But the Big Wildfire Period is Ahead. Plus, the Forecast
August 12, 2022 19:07 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBThis 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.
Weather Signs in the Sky and the Roller Coaster Forecast for the Next Week
August 05, 2022 19:48 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBWeather 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!
Did Global Warming Create this Heat Wave? And the End of the Heat in Sight.
July 29, 2022 19:11 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBThis 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.
Potential For a Good Auroral Show Tonight and the Upcoming Heat Wave
July 22, 2022 21:05 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MBA 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.
Why is late July so dry in the Pacific Northwest? And a mixed forecast for this weekend.
July 15, 2022 16:51 - 10 minutes - 9.46 MBWe 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.
Why was it so humid this week? And the dry, warm weather ahead.
July 08, 2022 18:51 - 10 minutes - 9.62 MBPeople 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.
The July 4th Forecast and The Secret Sauce for Northwest Thunderstorms
July 01, 2022 20:03 - 10 minutes - 10 MBThis 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.
Weekend Warmth and the Secrets of Northwest Heatwaves.
June 24, 2022 21:05 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBThis podcast describes the warm weather ahead and tell you about the inner workings of Northwest heatwaves.
The Origins of the Yellowstone Flooding and the Weekend Forecast
June 17, 2022 13:01 - 9 minutes - 9.04 MBYellowstone 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.
The Origin of Turbulence While Flying
June 10, 2022 16:09 - 7 minutes - 6.97 MBWhy 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.
ANOTHER Wet Weekend and Why Do Thunderstorms Like the Mountain Crests?
June 03, 2022 12:21 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBIt 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!
The Detailed Memorial Day Weekend Forecast Plus the Historical Perspective
May 27, 2022 15:36 - 9 minutes - 9.05 MBThis 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!
Is there a drought in eastern Washington? And finally a decent weekend!
May 20, 2022 19:14 - 11 minutes - 11 MBThis 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.
The Secrets of Surface Temperature...and A Forecast I Wish I Did Not Have to Give
May 13, 2022 21:25 - 9 minutes - 8.57 MBThere 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.
Triple Dip La Nina and a Wet Week Ahead
May 06, 2022 21:51 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBIt 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.
Knowing about temperature can save your life. Plus the weekend forecast.
April 29, 2022 18:37 - 10 minutes - 9.73 MBKnowing 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.
What does the Northwest get so little lightning? And a nice weekend ahead,
April 22, 2022 15:20 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBI 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.