http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

The Washington Department of Ecology expanded the drought emergency declared in April to include areas in the North and Central Cascade Mountains and parts of the Puget Sound area. On April 8, Ecology declared drought for the Yakima Basin watersheds, while issuing a drought advisory for Puget Sound region and portions of the Central and North Cascades. The areas served by Seattle, Tacoma and Everett water utilities remain under drought advisory. In nearly two months since the declaration, conditions in Whatcom and Skagit counties, and portions of Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanagan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson and Ferry counties have worsened due to early and rapid snowmelt, combined with unusually dry April and May weather. The warm April led to rapid snowmelt which will mean less water will be available in summer and early fall when it is most needed for farms and fish. Department of Ecology, State of Washington, June 5, 2025 Washington’s drought emergency was extended for a third year, affecting Kittitas, Yakima, and part of Benton counties. A drought advisory was issued for north-central Washington and parts of the Puget Sound region, encompassing Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Okanogan and Chelan counties. Washington Department of Ecology, April 8, 2025