Cliff Mass Weather Blog
This blog discusses current weather, weather prediction, climate issues, and current events
April 11, 2026
When a "Drought" NOT a Drought?
This year, the Washington State Department of Ecology and others (e.g., the Seattle Times) are claiming we are in a drought emergency.
In several of my recent blogs, I explained why I think they are wrong.
Precipitation has been above normal, reservoirs are full, substantial snowpack is in place (about 50% of normal), soils are moist, current forecasts are for substantial spring precipitation, and there is little evidence of any impacts of the low snowpack on water supplies or agriculture.
Remember, a key aspect of a drought is that it has to have substantial IMPACTS.
To quote the drought.gov website:
A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall or, generally, a severe deficiency of moisture, resulting in water shortages for people, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Droughts need to have impacts, and the negative impacts of the high precipitation/low snowpack situation this year will be minimal
It would be interesting to evaluate the track record of drought advocates in government, the media, and climate advocacy groups.
So let's do it!
Consider last year (2025).
https://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2026/04/when-drought-not-drought.html
