Dry Start to the Week in Western Washington with Rain on the Horizon

High temperatures on Monday are forecasted to rise a few degrees compared to Sunday, reaching the 60s,Photo byPeter RobbinsonUnsplash

The National Weather Service reports mostly clear conditions across western Washington this evening, with lingering mid-level clouds over central Puget Sound and the Cascades. Dry weather is expected to continue into Monday, although patchy fog may develop overnight, particularly in river valleys and south of Olympia.

As a subtle trough exits the region, an upper-level ridge is setting in, bringing dry conditions for the next 24 to 36 hours. Overnight temperatures are anticipated to drop into the 40s, with a 30% chance of lowland areas, especially south of Olympia, seeing temperatures in the 30s.

High temperatures on Monday are forecasted to rise a few degrees compared to Sunday, reaching the 60s, with some areas in the southwest interior possibly hitting the lower to mid-70s. However, the weather pattern will shift on Tuesday as a deep low in the Gulf of Alaska approaches, bringing a return of precipitation chances. While overall rain amounts are expected to be minimal, the northern half of the area could see probabilities of 50-60%.

Looking ahead, transient ridging will bring another dry day on Thursday before a frontal system moves in on Friday, potentially leading to widespread rainfall. Forecast models indicate uncertainty in the strength and timing of this system, with some suggesting only light rain amounts of 0.10 inches or less. The weekend is expected to see a return to dry conditions as high pressure rebuilds over the region.