The following article was written by Michael Fagin. Fagin is an operational meteorologist providing weather forecasts to clients in the Pacific Northwest and providing custom forecasts for groups climbing Mt. Everest and other major peaks. Fagin is also a travel writer with a focus on weather and wine. Read other articles by Fagin here. 

In our most recent update, we discussed weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest from mid-June through mid-October 2025. Here, we look at recent temperature and precipitation trends since that time in the Columbia Valley and Willamette Valley. We also look at short-term weather forecasts and what the rest of the winter might bring. Finally, we look at the current snowpack and whether that will be sufficient for water needs during the growing season.

Recent temperature trends

Washington

First, let’s look at temperatures from mid-October to early January. The map below is for Richland, Washington. (NOAA is the source.) The dark blue bars in the chart below represent observations, while the brown colors indicate the average temperature range. Record heat is the red line above, and record cold is the blue line below.

For much of October and November, temperatures were close to average without any record temperatures. Then, early December experienced well above average temperatures, with some record high temperatures. By the end of December, temperatures were below average.

Oregon

For the Willamette Valley, represented below, we are looking at Salem, Oregon. This area experienced a similar trend to Washington, with mostly average temperatures through November. Then in early December, there were above average temperatures and near record temperatures at times. Temperatures were close to average for the end of December.

Precipitation trends

Washington

Precipitation for Richland since mid-October has been above average. The map below has the current year totals in green. The average is the brown line. Blue is the record amount.