The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies

Tropical Pacific Observing System 2021 Saildrone Mission Launched

As the western U.S. experiences record shattering heat waves and mega droughts and the eastern tropical Pacific started its 2021 hurricane season with the earliest tropical storm (Andres) on record going back to the early 1970s, two Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) saildrones were launched on July 23, 2021 from Alameda, CA to the eastern tropical Pacific. 

Hotter Days In Store

By Lauren Gallup, Bainbridge Island Review
How the county is adapting and what to do to prepare yourself for the heat
The recent heatwave killed four people in Kitsap County, and weather experts predict we could see more record temperatures in the future. 

Low-oxygen Waters Off Washington, Oregon Coasts Risk Becoming Large ‘Dead Zones’

By NOAA Communications
Oceanic measurements collected during a scientific cruise on NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown last week confirmed that a large area of poorly oxygenated water is growing off the coast of Washington and Oregon. 

Low Oxygen Levels Off Northwest Coast Raise Fears of Marine ‘Dead Zones’

Low oxygen levels in the ocean can wipe out crabs and bottom-dwelling fish. Scientists worry it could create a large “dead zone” off the coast of Oregon and Washington this year. 

It’s Wildfire Season In WA. When Can We Expect Smoke to Arrive West of the Cascades?

By Josephine Peterson, Tacoma News Tribune
It is likely to be a smoky summer in Western Washington. 

Washington Drought Turning Exceptionally Bad

By Don Jenkins, Capital Press

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a drought emergency Wednesday, though there appears to be little that can be done for the hardest-hit part of the state other than pray for rain. 

Gov. Inslee Declares Statewide Drought Emergency Wednesday

By Martín Bilbao, The Olympian
Gov. Jay Inslee laid blame on climate change as he declared a drought emergency for nearly the whole state on Wednesday. 

‘Shocking and Sobering’: Washington’s Heat Wave Scorched Shellfish, But Total Losses Are Still Unclear

By Eli Francovich, The Sportsman-Review
Walking onto a beach recently exposed by a receding sea, Eric Sparkman paused and looked at an expanse of sun-baked shells. 

Remotely-piloted Sailboats Monitor ‘Cold Pools’ In Tropical Environments

By UW News staff,
Conditions in the tropical ocean affect weather patterns worldwide. The most well-known examples are El Niño or La Niña events, but scientists believe other key elements of the tropical climate remain undiscovered. 

Welcome to the Age of Climate’s ‘Permanent Emergency’

By Tyler Huckabee, Relevant
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has dubbed the heat wave pummeling his state as the “beginning of a permanent emergency,” which is probably accurate.