Western Washington to Experience Weather Shift with Return of Rain and Cooler Temperatures

A more potent system will arrive by Tuesday night, bringing another round of rain.Photo byFilip ZrnzevićonUnsplash

An upper-level ridge is set to provide one last dry and mild day for Western Washington today before a series of frontal systems bring rain, mountain snow, and cooler temperatures in the coming week. This morning, clear skies dominate most areas, though localized dense fog persists in parts of the Southwest Interior, particularly along a line from Bremerton to Shelton, Olympia, and Chehalis. However, this fog is expected to dissipate by noon.

After a sunny day, high clouds will begin to move in as the first of several frontal systems approaches. Coastal areas can expect rain by early Monday morning, with the precipitation spreading inland throughout the afternoon. The initial front is anticipated to be weak, resulting in light rain totals.

A more potent system will arrive by Tuesday night, bringing another round of rain. Wednesday is projected to be pivotal, with a strong front moving onshore and snow levels dropping in higher passes by late Wednesday night.

Forecasts indicate significant variability for the weekend, as models diverge on whether upper ridging will return to the West Coast. The GFS model suggests an atmospheric river affecting southern British Columbia, while the ECMWF model predicts a more direct impact on Western Washington. Current forecasts anticipate likely precipitation across the region on Saturday, but if the ECMWF proves accurate, a wetter weekend could be in store.