Pacific Northwest, Puget Sound Braces for Cooler Weekend with Potential for Showers

As an upper-level trough continues to push into western Oregon, increased cloud cover and some virga showers are anticipated south.Photo byIvana CajinaonUnsplash

The Pacific Northwest is set to experience a significant shift in weather conditions this weekend as a low-pressure system moves through the region. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will moderate, bringing cooler conditions and the potential for showers.

Currently, western Washington is experiencing hazy skies due to smoke filtering in aloft. Satellite imagery shows stratus along the coast and mid to high-level cloud cover advancing from the south. While radar detects light echoes, the dry surface layer is expected to prevent most precipitation from reaching the ground. There is a slim chance of some showers producing a lightning strike or two, but forecast models indicate a less than 10% probability.

As an upper-level trough continues to push into western Oregon, increased cloud cover and some virga showers are anticipated south of the Puget Sound. Although the dry conditions will limit rainfall, southerly flow aloft is expected to carry more elevated haze from nearby wildfires. High temperatures today are projected to be in the 70s along the coast and in the 80s further inland, with cooler temperatures possible depending on the extent of smoke.

On Sunday, an increase in onshore flow as the trough axis crosses the region will bring further cooling. Coastal areas are expected to see highs in the 60s, while inland regions will peak in the upper 70s to low 80s. The risk of heat will decrease to minor (yellow) across most of the area, though pockets of moderate (orange) HeatRisk may persist in urban areas east of the Puget Sound. Elevated smoke will continue to impact temperatures, but a slow improvement is anticipated. There is also a chance of showers and thunderstorm activity developing over the mountains in the afternoon, although the likelihood remains low.