Seattle residents, brace yourselves for a damp weekend. According to the National Weather Service Seattle WA, there's a 40 percent chance of rain after 1 p.m. today with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 75 degrees. For those venturing out tonight, there's a 30 percent chance of rain before midnight, followed by a slight possibility of rain after 4 a.m., and increasing clouds with a low around 59.
The forecast doesn't get drier as the week progresses. Sunday will be partly sunny with highs again nearing 75, and by Monday, we're looking at mostly cloudy skies. The pattern of clouds continues well into the week, with temperatures consistently hovering in the mid-70s during the day and dropping to the high 50s at night. However, it's the potential for heavy rainfall and the ensuing impacts that have become the focus of a Hydrologic Outlook published by the NWS.
In advance of the weekends weather, the NWS has outlined threats stemming from the predicted heavy rains hitting the area late tonight through Saturday. The mountains are expected to receive a deluge of 3-5 inches of rain and the lowlands could get soaked with 0.5-1.5 inches. Given how parched the ground is, most of this will likely result in significant runoff rather than be absorbed by the soil.
Consequently, urban flooding is a possibility, particularly in flat areas and roads. While rivers are not expected to flood, rapid rises to unusually high levels are likely. The NWS cautions that this could pose a risk to recreational river-goers, and while burn scars have a lower probability of impacts, the possibility of flash flooding and associated hazards like debris flows can't be ruled out. Those heading to the mountains might find roads and trails challenging due to high waters, and streams could either swell with runoff or remain lower if the terrain can absorb the water more efficiently.
Seattleites should keep an eye on the latest updates and forecasts from the National Weather Service as this weather event unfolds. Stay prepared and consider altering any outdoor plans accordingly, particularly those that involve river or mountain activities in the affected areas.
