Governor declares statewide drought

OLYMPIA — The state Department of Ecology has declared a statewide drought emergency for everywhere except cities with large storage basins.

The drought update was issued Friday, April 19, with the agency predicting a warm, dry spring. According to the agency, the weather forecast will leave many watershed statewide with low water.

The declaration allows state agencies to provide drought-related assistance in a more timely manner.

Gov. Jay Inslee calked up this year’s forecast drought to global warming.

“As our climate continues to change, we’re increasingly seeing our winters bring more rain...