Winter Storm Warnings in Yakima, Washington
Yakima sits in a high desert valley on the eastern side of the Cascades, where cold continental air settles in during winter and produces a distinctly different snow pattern than the wet, heavy snowfall common west of the mountains. Across the 13 years analyzed from 2012 through 2024, Yakima averaged 21.4 inches (54.2 cm) of snow per year — modest totals spread across a season that peaks in January, December, and February, roughly in that order.
Heavy-snow days are rare here. The data shows an average of just 0.2 such days per year, meaning a genuinely significant single-storm snowfall is more the exception than an annual expectation. Average winter low temperatures hover around 26.7 °F (−3.0 °C), cold enough that whatever snow does fall tends to stay dry and light rather than packing down quickly.
A winter storm warning issued for the Yakima area signals that forecasters expect hazardous conditions — typically substantial snowfall, blowing snow, or dangerous cold — significant enough to threaten travel and safety. It is worth noting that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country; the National Weather Service tailors criteria to local climatology, so the snowfall amount that triggers a warning in Yakima may differ considerably from thresholds used in other regions.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 21.4 in (54.2 cm) |
| Snowiest months | January, December, February |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 26.7°F (−3°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.2 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Yakima within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Yakima winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Yakima right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Yakima, Washington. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Yakima get winter storm warnings often?
Yakima sees moderate snowfall in a typical winter, with winter storm warnings during the stronger systems. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Yakima?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Yakima?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Washington authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Tacoma, WA
- Winter storm warning in Seattle, WA
- Winter storm warning in Portland, OR
- Winter storm warning in Bend, OR
- Winter storm warning in Bellingham, WA
- Winter storm warning in Salem, OR
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.