According to some predictions, this winter the Seattle area will continue with warmer than typical temperatures. Essentially we could have a repeat of last winter with not much snowpack towards the end of winter. The good news is – we are getting above average of rainfall this December and the trend is expected to follow  throughout the winter.

“There’s a 90 percent chance El Niño will continue through this winter and a 80 percent chance it will extend to early spring 2016″, the National Weather Service’s Climate Center reported.

Rich Marriott, King 5 meteorologist, said “The likelihood of warmer than normal temperatures for the Pacific Northwest. It also means less precipitation but not necessarily less rainfall.”

We stand a good chance of seeing a lot of the snow pack disappear before early spring, which puts us in a possible drought condition again next summer.

Collection systems for RainBank customers in Seattle and outlying areas are almost full with some overflowing, thanks to the recent record rainfall. There is enough rainfall that they will be able to continue using their rainwater for domestic use and, more than likely, will go into spring with enough water to last through the summer. 

Last summer, some water districts experienced shortages and were forced to buy water from larger districts. Those who have a sustainable rainwater collection system designed and installed by RainBank Rainwater Systems will be more prepared for these shortages with stored water. Most of our designed/installed systems in the Seattle area are supplemental to city water, allowing storage of the collected rain for those times when most needed. 

Are you ready for another long dry summer? There is still time. Contact RainBank Rainwater Systems for a free consultation.