Archives: Western US Weather

A deep dive into Western US weather phenomena.

Why the Record Death Valley Temperature is Likely Bogus

May 29, 2023

Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, is no stranger to extreme heat. This scorching locale is where the highest temperature recorded in the United States happened in 1913. However, this impressive feat has been a subject of much debate and controversy over the years. In today’s ... Continue reading

What is a Superbloom?

April 22, 2023

TWSE Explains

In the arid deserts and valleys of the Western United States, a rare and magnificent natural event occasionally graces the landscape: the superbloom. This phenomenon, characterized by a sudden and explosive growth of colorful wildflowers, typically occurs in the spring following a period of above-average rainfall, such as this past ... Continue reading

Is the California Drought Over?

April 13, 2023

Ed Oswald

The parade of atmospheric rivers has put a dent in the California drought, with less than nine percent of the state still officially in drought conditions. This is according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which also found that the heavy winter rains also eliminated any severe drought in the state ... Continue reading

The Top 10 Wettest US States

April 5, 2023

TWSE Explains

Most of the United States has a temperate climate, meaning extremes in temperature and precipitation aren’t too common. However, in some of our southern states, especially in the more tropical areas closer to the Gulf Coast, heavy rainstorms year-round are just a fact of life. This blog post examines the ... Continue reading

The 10 Warmest States in the US

April 3, 2023

TWSE Explains

Some people hate the cold. We understand that (although we’re big fans of snow). So where should you move if you don’t want to deal with winter anymore? That’s why we created this list of the top 10 warmest states in the US. It shouldn’t be surprising that every state ... Continue reading

The 10 States With the Best Weather Year Round

March 27, 2023

TWSE Explains

Some people like the change of seasons. But others of us would much rather have dependable nice weather day in and day out. For some, that means a cool breeze and moderate temperatures, while others may seek year-round sunshine. If you’re one of those people who can’t get enough of ... Continue reading

What is the Rainiest City in the US?

March 14, 2023

TWSE Explains

Have you ever been stuck inside on a rainy day? It can be frustrating to stay inside when it is raining (although you could keep track of how much rain you're getting with a weather station!). If you're in the rainiest city in the US, it's far more likely to be raining or snowing outside than sunny.

The Top 10 Warmest US Cities

December 26, 2022

TWSE Explains

As winter approaches, many people prepare for the cold weather and freezing temperatures. However, some towns don't have to worry about dragging out the winter clothing from storage as the year ends. These locations have some of the best weather in the US if you're into the heat.

The Top 10 Coldest US Cities

December 24, 2022

TWSE Explains

Not a big fan of the heat? Can't wait for the first snowfall? If you like cold weather here in the US, all you have to do in most cases is move north. All but one of the coldest cities in the US are found in the Upper Midwest, where frequent Arctic blasts make winters more brutal than the rest of the country, with some of the coldest temperatures outside of Alaska!

The Sunniest US Cities

April 22, 2022

TWSE Explains

Sunshine is good for you. It's a natural source of Vitamin D. It elevates your mood and has been shown to lower blood pressure. A sunny day makes outdoor activities that much more pleasant. If you love the sunshine, there's no better place in America to be than the Desert Southwest.

The Top 10 Snowiest US Cities

February 3, 2022

TWSE Explains

Snowfall is one of the things that people look forward to in winter (although some of us feel a sense of impending doom when those first flakes fall), and the snowiest cities in the US get quite a bit of it every winter. It's an excellent excuse for staying inside with a fire and hot chocolate curled up on the couch.

Top 10 Driest US Cities

November 30, 2021

TWSE Explains

Rainy days get you down? The answer appears to be to move to the Southwest United States. Cities in the Desert Southwest are some of the driest in the country, with average annual rainfall as little as three inches per year! We combed the data and picked out the 10 most driest cities in the US, which are pretty bone dry.