Seattle is waking up on the gray and chilly side this morning, with temps near 48°F at Boeing Field and a thick marine layer keeping things damp and clammy. Skies should brighten a bit into the afternoon, and highs are expected to top out near 61°F. The break will not last long, though, since light rain is possible after about 5 p.m. Tonight will stay mostly cloudy with a low near 46°F.
Afternoon Rain Chances
Partly sunny skies are on tap through mid-afternoon before an onshore push nudges shower chances higher late in the day. New rainfall looks light, generally under a tenth of an inch in the city, so think drizzle or brief, spotty showers rather than an all-out soaker. That will still be enough to make evening roads slick, so plan accordingly.
Tuesday System And Marine Outlook
A stronger frontal system moves in Tuesday, bringing steady lowland rain, gusty south-southwest winds inland, and building seas off the coast. Forecast guidance points to about a quarter to a half inch of rain in lowland neighborhoods on Tuesday, with gusts to 25-35 mph in the interior. Coastal seas are expected to rise toward 8-10 feet by Tuesday evening. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Sunday to 11 a.m. Monday for the Strait of Juan de Fuca; check the National Weather Service for the latest watches and warnings.
Mountain Passes And Travel
Snow levels will fall late Tuesday into Wednesday toward roughly 1,500-2,000 feet. That could drop snow on the Cascade passes and complicate over-the-mountain travel. If you plan to cross Snoqualmie, Stevens, or other routes, check current conditions, chain requirements, and any closures before you go at WSDOT.
What To Know For Your Commute
For today, bring rain gear and give yourself extra time for evening errands or the drive home, since light showers and slick roads are possible after 5 p.m. For more on the evolving pattern and how we got here, see our earlier coverage of the Saturday soak and slog.
