‘There’s no crisis here’: UW professor Cliff Mass refutes ‘alarming’ Seattle climate data

Axios Seattle highlighted findings from Climate Central, which reported a notable rise in average coldest temperatures across the U.S. over the past 30 years, with Seattle and surrounding areas like Spokane and Yakima showing significant increases. The report attributes this warming trend to climate change.

“It seemed like maybe there was some context that was missing,” Rantz said. “They say the 30-year average of coldest temperatures is rising, almost universally, nationwide, but in the Seattle metro area, according to new analysis, it’s particularly challenging. It’s particularly alarming.”

But is the data telling the whole story?

Seattle’s warming trend sparks climate data debate

Mass explained that the main issue lies in the study’s focus on minimum temperatures, which have been rising faster than maximum temperatures. According to Mass, this trend is highly susceptible to distortions caused by factors such as urban heat island effects, poorly placed sensors, and other similar issues.

“It’s not a true reflection of atmospheric temperature change,” said Mass. “What’s really happening is that buildings and urban development are encroaching on the sensor sites, and these sensors are highly sensitive to such interference, which can lead to artificially high temperature readings.”

Overall, Mass says this summer should be fine for Seattleites, with no crisis on the horizon.

“There is no crisis here,” Mass said. “We’re probably in pretty decent shape for the summer.”

Listen to the full conversation below: 

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