Seattle rolled into Monday under mostly cloudy skies and a chilly 39°F at about 5:40 a.m. PDT, with light rain and spotty slushy showers already sliding through the metro. Highs are headed for the mid‑40s, so plan on a wet commute, slick bridges and occasional hits to visibility on the more exposed stretches of roadway.
Showers And Afternoon Thunder
Rain and snow showers are on tap through the morning, but the real action is expected later in the day. A window of heavier showers and scattered thunderstorms is likely between roughly 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday. Daytime highs should peak near 46°F, then slip back into the low‑40s as the system spreads across the region.
National Weather Service Seattle forecasters say brief heavy downpours and locally slushy mixes are possible, especially in foothill neighborhoods, so count on slower trips and some standing water collecting on city streets.
Mountain Travel And Pass Conditions
The Cascades are in for the biggest hit, with higher elevations expected to pick up anything from several inches to multiple feet of new snow through midweek. If you are headed over the passes, check road status and any pilot‑car operations before you go, and be ready for fast‑changing conditions.
WSDOT posts real‑time closures and travel advisories, and chains or other traction devices may be required on mountain routes during active snowfall.
Mountains, Rivers And Midweek Risks
A stronger system is lined up for midweek, bringing heavy mountain snow along with rising snow levels that will turn things to rain in the lowlands. Forecasters warn the Skokomish River could reach flood stage by Wednesday as runoff increases, and a winter storm watch is in place for parts of the Cascades later in the week.
For the latest watches, river forecasts and marine updates, check the National Weather Service Seattle.
Boaters And Commuters
Out on the water, small craft advisories are posted for parts of the Strait and coastal waters today. Seas are forecast to build into the mid‑teens of feet by Wednesday before backing down.
Ferry riders should pad their schedules and be ready for gusty southerly winds that could make some crossings choppy as the stronger midweek system moves through.
Quick Safety Tips
On the roads, ease off the gas, give yourself extra time and steer clear of driving through standing water. If your plans take you into the mountains, pack traction devices and check WSDOT and official forecasts before you leave.
