Why is there so much rain in Seattle?

rainfall is one of the most consistent weather patterns throughout the state. We average 70 to 80 inches of rainfall every year, which is about twice as much as most other parts of the state. Seattle’s location, tucked up against the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, plays a role in our wet weather. These mountains create a rain shadow effect that keeps moisture-laden air in, while rain-deficient air flows out to the coast.

Why all the rain in Seattle?

Rainy seasons are the result of an ocean-atmosphere interaction called the El Niño-La Niña cycle. During an El Niño, warmer than average ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean cause an increase in precipitation over the Pacific Northwest. And when La Niña conditions occur, we tend to have less rain. And although these cycles may have a big effect on the amount of rainfall they are not the sole cause of the amount of precipitation we receive here in Seattle.

Why is Seattle getting so much rain?

Seattle gets about 140 inches of rainfall per year. With an average temperature of about 55 degrees, it’s no surprise that Mother Nature likes to shower us with lots of rain!

Why is Seattle getting so much rain this year?

Rainfall in Seattle is much greater than the average for the region. The average rainfall for the area is approximately 43.5 inches per year, while Seattle has seen an average of about 50 inches of rain so far this year. Rainfall has increased in the region over the past 30 years, likely due to the effects of climate change. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, meaning there is more precipitation, and the increase in precipitation is expected to continue in the future.

Why is Seattle so much rain?

Most of the rain that falls on the Pacific Coast originates in the northern Pacific Ocean, and our weather system is largely influenced by the amount of water that flows north to south off the Pacific coast.