Weather with Cliff Mass

By Cliff Mass

What's Weather with Cliff Mass about?

Atmospheric 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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Weather with Cliff Mass episodes:

09.05.2023
My Views on Global Warming and Climate Change
Several 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.
06.14.2023
A Wet Weekend Ahead and Why the New York Smoke Had Little to Do With Climate Change
This 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...
04.17.2023
Where do you get the best weather forecasts? And a cool weak ahead.
This 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...
03.31.2023
Why is freezing at 32°F? And a snowy mountain forecast for this weekend.
This 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.
03.19.2023
The end of La Nina and an El Nino Winter Ahead
This 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.
03.08.2023
Are cold waves increasing over the Northwest? And a transition to meteorological spring ahead.
Several 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.
03.01.2023
How long are weather forecasts skillful?
This podcast answers the question: how long are weather predictions skillful? The answer may surprise you....
02.20.2023
Wind, Cold, and Snow Ahead. Plus a Primer of Northwest Gaps
This 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.
02.13.2023
A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Snow Event over Western Washington and Oregon
We 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...
02.06.2023
Plenty of rain and mountain snow this week. Plus, the two types of Northwest precipitation.
A 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...
01.29.2023
Why Does High Pressure Produce Low Clouds in the Northwest?, Plus the Latest Forecast
Several folks have asked my why high pressure produces low clouds in our region....this podcast explains why. Plus, a chilly, but sunny forecast.
01.22.2023
Atmospheric Pressure, King Tides, and the Potential for Cold Air and Snow Next Weekend
In 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,...
01.15.2023
The Big Dry is Coming and The Truth about the Pacific Data Void
After 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...
01.07.2023
The Origin and Prediction of Atmospheric Rivers. Plus, the Weather Forecast for the Week Ahead
This 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.
12.30.2022
Where are the coldest and warmest areas of the Pacific Northwest during the winter?
With 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!
12.23.2022
The Story on Northwest Freezing Rain Events and a Major Shift in Our Weather
This podcast describes the nature of Northwest freezing rain events and describes the major shift to warm/wet weather this week.
12.16.2022
Cold, High Pressure, and the Potential for Lowland Snow
This 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.
12.09.2022
Why Don't Clouds Fall Out of the Sky? And a Cool, Dry Pattern After This Weekend
Clouds 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.
12.02.2022
Why is the air so dry? And the latest snow forecast for this weekend.
Why 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.
11.18.2022
The Thanksgiving Forecast and the Winter Weather of the Columbia Basin
This 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...
11.11.2022
An Unusually Dry Period Ahead
La Nina conditions, with high pressure along the coast, will bring dry conditions to the Northwest for 7-9 days.
11.04.2022
The Wet/Cold Forecast Ahead and the Local Challenges of Northwest Snow Prediction
I start with the forecast, with everything from heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, and then describe the challenges of predicting snow in our region.
10.29.2022
A cool and potentially snowy period ahead
My 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!
10.21.2022
Was Global Warming Behind the Recent Smoky Period in Western Washington?
Will 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.
10.14.2022
How far in time can we forecast the weather? And a view of the big weather change ahead.
When 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...
10.07.2022
No Rain in Sight and Autumn Fog
Amazingly, 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...
09.30.2022
How Have Hurricane Forecasts Changed? And a Warm. Dry Weekend Ahead
Hurricane 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.
09.23.2022
The Perfect SmokeStorm and A Perfect Weekend Ahead
How 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.
09.16.2022
The History of Wildfires over the Northwest and A Dry, Temperate and Snow-Free Week Ahead
My 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...
09.09.2022
Smoke Forecast Over Western Washington, Wildfire Threats, and the 3D Nature of Northwest Smoke
This 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...
09.02.2022
No More Heatwaves, Smoke in eastern Washington, and Meteorological Fall is Here!
The 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...
08.26.2022
Northwest microclimates and a very pleasant weekend ahead.
Tired 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...
08.19.2022
What controls Northwest humidity and a pleasant weekend ahead
We 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,...
08.12.2022
A Below-Normal Wildfire Season, But the Big Wildfire Period is Ahead. Plus, the Forecast
This 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,...
08.05.2022
Weather Signs in the Sky and the Roller Coaster Forecast for the Next Week
Weather 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...
07.29.2022
Did Global Warming Create this Heat Wave? And the End of the Heat in Sight.
This 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...
07.22.2022
Potential For a Good Auroral Show Tonight and the Upcoming Heat Wave
A 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...
07.15.2022
Why is late July so dry in the Pacific Northwest? And a mixed forecast for this weekend.
We 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...
07.08.2022
Why was it so humid this week? And the dry, warm weather ahead.
People 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...
07.01.2022
The July 4th Forecast and The Secret Sauce for Northwest Thunderstorms
This 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...
06.24.2022
Weekend Warmth and the Secrets of Northwest Heatwaves.
This podcast describes the warm weather ahead and tell you about the inner workings of Northwest heatwaves.
06.17.2022
The Origins of the Yellowstone Flooding and the Weekend Forecast
Yellowstone 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"...
06.10.2022
The Origin of Turbulence While Flying
Why 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.
06.03.2022
ANOTHER Wet Weekend and Why Do Thunderstorms Like the Mountain Crests?
It 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...
05.27.2022
The Detailed Memorial Day Weekend Forecast Plus the Historical Perspective
This 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...
05.20.2022
Is there a drought in eastern Washington? And finally a decent weekend!
This 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...
05.13.2022
The Secrets of Surface Temperature...and A Forecast I Wish I Did Not Have to Give
There 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,...
05.06.2022
Triple Dip La Nina and a Wet Week Ahead
It 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...
04.29.2022
Knowing about temperature can save your life. Plus the weekend forecast.
Knowing 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...
04.22.2022
What does the Northwest get so little lightning? And a nice weekend ahead,
I 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.

What's Weather with Cliff Mass about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Weather with Cliff Mass episodes:

My Views on Global Warming and Climate Change

A Wet Weekend Ahead and Why the New York Smoke Had Little to Do With Climate Change

Where do you get the best weather forecasts? And a cool weak ahead.

Why is freezing at 32°F? And a snowy mountain forecast for this weekend.

The end of La Nina and an El Nino Winter Ahead

Are cold waves increasing over the Northwest? And a transition to meteorological spring ahead.

How long are weather forecasts skillful?

Wind, Cold, and Snow Ahead. Plus a Primer of Northwest Gaps

A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Snow Event over Western Washington and Oregon

Plenty of rain and mountain snow this week. Plus, the two types of Northwest precipitation.

Why Does High Pressure Produce Low Clouds in the Northwest?, Plus the Latest Forecast

Atmospheric Pressure, King Tides, and the Potential for Cold Air and Snow Next Weekend

The Big Dry is Coming and The Truth about the Pacific Data Void

The Origin and Prediction of Atmospheric Rivers. Plus, the Weather Forecast for the Week Ahead

Where are the coldest and warmest areas of the Pacific Northwest during the winter?

The Story on Northwest Freezing Rain Events and a Major Shift in Our Weather

Cold, High Pressure, and the Potential for Lowland Snow

Why Don't Clouds Fall Out of the Sky? And a Cool, Dry Pattern After This Weekend

Why is the air so dry? And the latest snow forecast for this weekend.

The Thanksgiving Forecast and the Winter Weather of the Columbia Basin

An Unusually Dry Period Ahead

The Wet/Cold Forecast Ahead and the Local Challenges of Northwest Snow Prediction

A cool and potentially snowy period ahead

Was Global Warming Behind the Recent Smoky Period in Western Washington?

How far in time can we forecast the weather? And a view of the big weather change ahead.

No Rain in Sight and Autumn Fog

How Have Hurricane Forecasts Changed? And a Warm. Dry Weekend Ahead

The Perfect SmokeStorm and A Perfect Weekend Ahead

The History of Wildfires over the Northwest and A Dry, Temperate and Snow-Free Week Ahead

Smoke Forecast Over Western Washington, Wildfire Threats, and the 3D Nature of Northwest Smoke

No More Heatwaves, Smoke in eastern Washington, and Meteorological Fall is Here!

Northwest microclimates and a very pleasant weekend ahead.

What controls Northwest humidity and a pleasant weekend ahead

A Below-Normal Wildfire Season, But the Big Wildfire Period is Ahead. Plus, the Forecast

Weather Signs in the Sky and the Roller Coaster Forecast for the Next Week

Did Global Warming Create this Heat Wave? And the End of the Heat in Sight.

Potential For a Good Auroral Show Tonight and the Upcoming Heat Wave

Why is late July so dry in the Pacific Northwest? And a mixed forecast for this weekend.

Why was it so humid this week? And the dry, warm weather ahead.

The July 4th Forecast and The Secret Sauce for Northwest Thunderstorms

Weekend Warmth and the Secrets of Northwest Heatwaves.

The Origins of the Yellowstone Flooding and the Weekend Forecast

The Origin of Turbulence While Flying

ANOTHER Wet Weekend and Why Do Thunderstorms Like the Mountain Crests?

The Detailed Memorial Day Weekend Forecast Plus the Historical Perspective

Is there a drought in eastern Washington? And finally a decent weekend!

The Secrets of Surface Temperature...and A Forecast I Wish I Did Not Have to Give

Triple Dip La Nina and a Wet Week Ahead

Knowing about temperature can save your life. Plus the weekend forecast.

What does the Northwest get so little lightning? And a nice weekend ahead,