Thunderstorm season underway in the Pacific Northwest

Western Washington’s primary thunderstorm season usually kicks off in March, so thunderstorm season has officially arrived!

Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, but the Pacific Northwest’s thunderstorm season peaks twice within a calendar year – spring and fall — with spring being the primary season.

Thanks to longer days, temperatures near the surface are warmer in the spring than during the winter. Yet, cooler air aloft continues to move onshore from the Gulf of Alaska, creating an unstable air mass or rising air – much like boiling water on your stove. This scenario will be the case on Thursday this week with the threat of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Western Washington averages only about 10 thunderstorms per year. In contrast, central Florida has more than 100 thunderstorms annually.

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What to do when caught in a thunderstorm

From the Rockies eastward, people are rather lightning proficient – heading indoors when a thunderstorm approaches. Since Western Washington does not get thunderstorms often, many people are unaware and get caught outdoors when lightning strikes.

This region’s thunderstorms are usually short-lived, less than 30 minutes. Some thunderstorms in this area are what some call “one clap wonders.” If a cold rain or hail shower approaches, it could produce lightning. Head indoors or get into a vehicle. Avoid tall targets like trees, athletic field light poles, or outdoor seating areas. Lightning likes to strike tall objects, and that is where many lightning injuries and fatalities occur.

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Fortunately, Washington has not had a lightning fatality since 1996. Let’s keep it that way. Remember – when thunder roars, go indoors.

Ted Buehner is the KIRO Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on X and Bluesky.