The National Weather Service in Seattle is advising residents to brace themselves for a series of rainy days ahead, with a strong likelihood of precipitation affecting various parts of the region. According to their latest updates, today carries a 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm, with cloud coverage expected to persist and highs nearing 50 degrees. A southerly wind flow will gently augment as the day progresses.
Tonight's forecast spells out more definitively wet conditions, with rain projected and a 90% chance of precipitation. Low temperatures will hover around 45, while the wind maintains a south-easterly direction. Forecasts suggest the rainfall will bring between a quarter and a half an inch of fresh precipitation to the area. As Monday approaches, residents should be prepared for rain, accompanied by patchy fog and high temperatures in the low 50s.
In addition to the week's rain-heavy forecast, the NWS has also issued a hydrologic outlook concerning the potential for river flooding early next week. "Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected over the Northern and Central Washington Cascades beginning tonight and continuing through early Tuesday morning," the NWS stated. Snow levels are initially pegged at 4500 feet, with an anticipated rise up to 7000 to 7500 feet as Monday turns into night. With an accumulation of 2 to 5 inches of precipitation forecasted, the result could be substantial runoff into the rivers.
The agency warns that rivers in the outlook area—ranging from King County northward—will likely begin to rise by Sunday, aiming to crest by the latter part of Monday into Tuesday. Although current models forecast rivers reaching action stage, it is cautioned that "a small increase in the forecast precipitation amounts could push some river forecasts above flood stage." These developments would to necessarily impact local communities, as swelling rivers threaten to surpass their banks. The NWS advises public to monitor the latest river forecasts for additional information.
