Seattle wakes up cloudy and chilly today with temperatures hovering around 39°F and a damp feel in the air. A chance of light rain will develop after about 10 a.m., with the high climbing to roughly 47°F. You will want a jacket and an umbrella, unless you really enjoy wet sidewalks and a slower-than-usual commute.
What To Expect Today
A weak ridge keeps most of the region mostly dry early, but scattered showers become more likely from late morning into the afternoon, with roughly a 20 to 30 percent chance through the day. North winds stay light at about 5 to 7 mph, and afternoon temperatures slip into the mid 40s. Transit riders should plan a little extra time, since puddles and reduced visibility can drag down surface traffic.
Winds, Boaters And Commutes
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, through 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, for stretches of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and some northern inland waters, the National Weather Service says. Mariners and anyone planning coastal recreation should steer clear of exposed waters during that window and secure light boats before the evening lull. Winds are expected to increase Wednesday with gusts around 20 to 22 mph, which could mean choppy conditions offshore even as most neighborhoods deal with only light rain.
What’s Next This Week
A stronger disturbance is expected Wednesday into Thursday (February 25 to 26), bringing likely rain to the lowlands and more accumulating snow in the mountains. The north Cascades could pick up over a foot, with Mount Baker seeing the highest totals. Highs Wednesday and Thursday should warm into the upper 40s to near 50°F before a cooler, drier weekend settles in. For background on the pattern and earlier forecasts, see Friday drizzle slows commute.
Bottom line: keep rain gear handy, watch for slick spots on the drive home Tuesday, and if you are heading offshore after dark, change plans. This page will be updated if advisories expand or shift through the week.
