SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Monday's rain ended a dry streak in Seattle, clocking in the first measurable rain at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport since June 20, according to the National Weather Service.
"In the summer it's definitely our drier period. We usually see a front or two that brings in some precipitation, so not too atypical, I guess you could say," NWS Meteorologist Trent Davis said. "But over time we're seeing more warm stretches, allowing [fuels] to dry out more year after year, so that's something that keeps changing and that we'll have to just keep watching here."
Davis said the rain may mitigate fire danger for a week or two, especially in the Olympics, but won't make up for the below-normal precipitation on record for spring and summer so far.
The state's Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency for watersheds in 12 counties Monday including Benton, Clallam, Columbia, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Walla Walla, Whatcom and Yakima.
"We anticipate there will be hardship to certain water users and the environment," Ecology Department Drought Monitor Jeff Marti said. "Those water users vary from the drinking water sectors, small communities that are currently struggling with their water supply, agriculture, farmers that use water for irrigation, in Skagit County, the east side and Walla Walla - and for Fish and Wildlife - it's going to be a tough season with low flows."
The declaration opens up the ability for the department to process requests for emergency water rights more quickly, and to provide funding to public organizations -- with $3 million made possible by legislation passed this spring.
To learn more about the declaration, click here.