WASHINGTON, USA — High temperatures across Washington will contribute to fire danger, elevate temperatures in streams and have an impact on wildlife, but they won't likely play a major role in melting snowpack because so much of it is already gone by this time of year.
"Most of the snowpack has melted off at this point," said Karin Bumbaco, the deputy state climatologist at the University of Washington. "We're in July, and most of that has melted through June, even earlier than expected, about one to two weeks earlier than normal because it was below normal snowpack, but we're still seeing some at early elevation sites."
The high temperatures could play a role in melting some of the remaining high-elevation snow. In terms of this timeline, 2024 is not particularly unique.
"This is pretty typical," Bumbaco said. "Paradise at Rainier is one of the sites that has snow for the longest."
Snowpack plays a role in the health and depth of rivers and creeks. The Office of State Climatologist warns waterways may still be cold, so it's important to use caution.
According to the National Weather Service, the unseasonably hot temperatures are expected to stick around for the first part of this week.
The state's Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency in April, excluding Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett. It makes funds available for grants to agencies dealing with its effects.
Read more about Washington's shrinking snowpack here.
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