Seattle rolled into Tuesday under cool, mostly clear skies and a blanket of patchy fog, with early morning temperatures hovering around 48°F. Those low-lying gray pockets could make the morning commute a little dicey before conditions mellow into a dry, mild stretch through midweek, with afternoon highs topping out in the upper 50s.
Foggy Start, Cloudier Finish
Patchy fog is expected to linger in low-lying neighborhoods and river valleys through about 11 a.m. Tuesday, before skies turn mostly cloudy and the temperature climbs to around 58°F. Winds will be barely noticeable, around 2 to 3 mph, which means some stubborn fog may hang on in spots later into the morning.
Out on the water, a Small Craft Advisory is up for the outer coastal waters from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to NWS Seattle.
Drying Out After A Soggy Weekend
The calmer, warmer break comes on the heels of a soggy weekend that left some shorelines and low-lying streets damp and briefly flooded. Check out the soggy Sunday rain, fog and flooding recap for a closer look at recent impacts around the area.
Weekend Flip: Rain And Cooler Air
The quiet pattern does not last. By the weekend, rain is likely both Saturday and Sunday, with highs slipping into the mid-50s. Snow levels are expected to drop toward about 4,000 feet on Sunday, which raises the odds of accumulating snow on higher passes like Stevens Pass.
The Skokomish River is expected to fall below flood stage Tuesday morning, only to rise again early next week to near minor flood stage. Mariners are also urged to keep an eye on coastal advisories, according to NWS Seattle.
Plan Ahead
For early commuters, it is a “drive for the fog” kind of morning: slow down, use headlights, and give yourself extra time if your route drops into river valleys or other low spots.
Boaters should avoid exposed waters while the Small Craft Advisory is in effect and check the latest marine forecast before heading out. The midweek lull may look inviting, but conditions can change quickly on the outer coast.
