CWU Weather

Weather and Climate at CWU

Central Washington University (CWU) is located in Ellensburg, Washington, which experiences a semi-arid climate. The weather at CWU is characterized by:

• Summer: Warm to hot, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. Low humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
• Winter: Cold, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F. Snowfall is common, averaging around 20 inches annually.
• Spring and Fall: Mild, with temperatures between 40°F to 60°F. These seasons can be windy.
• Rainfall: Annual precipitation is about 9 inches, mostly in the form of rain during spring and fall.
• Extreme Weather: Occasional heatwaves in summer and cold snaps in winter.

The climate impacts commuting with potential for icy roads in winter, and affects campus life with outdoor activities being more prevalent in warmer months. Research involving outdoor fieldwork must consider seasonal weather variations.