Seattle is waking up under a thick blanket of clouds and a chilly 43°F at Boeing Field this morning, with an east wind humming along near 15 to 17 mph. Showers are set to ramp up late this morning, and a round of scattered thunderstorms is expected from late morning into the early evening. Down in the lowlands, highs will stall near 49°F while the Cascades quietly keep piling up fresh snow through the day.
Afternoon Thunder Risk
Rain is possible before 11 a.m., then things get livelier with showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., followed by a good chance of more rain afterward. Highs should peak near 49°F before slipping into the mid 40s through the afternoon. The main troublemakers will be lightning, brief heavy downpours, and pockets of small hail or graupel. The National Weather Service Seattle has the hour-by-hour timing and additional details.
Commutes And Mountain Travel
Heavier showers are likely to slow surface commutes, cut down visibility, and create ponding on low-lying streets, so plan on some extra travel time this afternoon and evening. Up in the Cascades, the passes remain under a Winter Storm Warning through 11 p.m. tonight, with more rounds of heavy mountain snow in the mix. For some context on how messy things can get, check out this look at the rain-revenge, wind-whipped washout. If you need to head over the passes, be sure to review current restrictions and chain requirements on the WSDOT mountain-pass page before you go.
Late-Week Outlook
By Thursday and Friday, high pressure is set to take over, bringing mostly sunny skies and a more pleasant feel. Highs should climb into the mid 50s on Thursday and the upper 50s by Friday. Overnight lows could dip into the low 30s in sheltered inland spots, so gardeners will want to protect any sensitive plants. The National Weather Service Seattle also has the extended outlook and frost guidance for planners and plant lovers alike.
Quick Safety Tips
If you hear thunder, head indoors and stay away from open water, since lightning can arrive with very little warning. Avoid driving through standing water, secure loose outdoor items before the squalls roll through, and expect brief delays on ferries and surface transit during the heavier bursts. If you are traveling over the passes, carry chains or traction devices and double-check conditions before you go.
