Seattle started Sunday on a relatively calm note, with mild, partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 40s, heading toward a high near 50°F. The first half of the day stays mostly dry, but light rain could sneak in by late afternoon, with steadier showers expected after about 7 p.m. and continuing into Monday.
Today and Tonight
Clouds will rule the sky for most of the day, and while there is only a small, roughly 20 percent chance of light rain this afternoon, many lowland neighborhoods should stay dry until evening. After 7 p.m., the odds of rain go up and overnight showers could turn the evening commute into a slick one. According to the National Weather Service, lowland rain totals are expected to stay on the lighter side, generally under a tenth of an inch, while the Cascades pick up more substantial precipitation.
Monday and Midweek
Monday looks unsettled, with rain likely for much of the day and south winds increasing to around 8 to 10 mph, a bit breezier near Elliott Bay. Highs will hover near 50°F. A short break in the action is expected Tuesday into Wednesday, before another system moves in and pushes rain chances higher again later in the week. It is a good idea to keep early week outdoor plans flexible.
Marine, Mountains And Rivers
Overnight small craft advisories in some outer waters faded before sunrise, but seas offshore are still running about 8 to 11 feet and should stay choppy into Monday. Snow levels around 3,000 to 4,000 feet will bring light to moderate snow to the passes, with about 1 to 4 inches possible at Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes and 6 to 8 inches at White Pass. The Skokomish River is cresting below flood stage and is expected to continue receding; for background, see our sloppy Saturday commute coverage.
What To Do
Plan on an umbrella for tonight and give yourself some extra time on the roads, since I 5 and major arterials can slow down fast once the rain begins. Mariners, ferry riders and anyone heading over the passes should check the latest National Weather Service updates and WSDOT conditions before heading out.
