Seattle woke up Sunday, May 17, under a blanket of low clouds and a bite in the air, with Boeing Field (KBFI) reporting about 43°F at first light. As the morning wears on, skies should gradually thin while an offshore ridge builds, setting the stage for mostly sunny afternoons with highs near 63°F and light west-southwest breezes. Patchy fog around the South Sound could knock visibility below a mile for early commuters, but most neighborhoods are in line for a dry, comfortable afternoon.
Afternoon And Week Ahead
An upper-level ridge developing offshore will keep skies mostly sunny and daytime highs in the 60s through much of the week, with temperatures nudging into the upper 60s by Thursday and Friday. Monday is expected to warm to around 66°F, followed by a slight cool-down Tuesday as a weak system clips areas north of Puget Sound. For the official hourly forecast and any tweaks to the outlook, check the NWS Seattle forecast.
Marine Conditions And Boater Alert
Small craft conditions are possible in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Admiralty Inlet. A small craft advisory that lapses overnight is expected to return this afternoon into Monday morning as westerly winds pick up and seas hold around 6 to 8 ft. Mariners and ferry operators should be ready for choppy water and keep a close eye on updates before getting underway. See the latest from the NWS marine forecast.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Morning fog and stubborn low clouds could slow the South Sound commute, especially on bridges, so it is worth giving yourself a little extra time if you are headed toward Tacoma early. Once the clouds break, afternoon sunshine should offer a solid window for outdoor errands, patio lunches and yard work. You will still want a light jacket after sunset, with evening lows slipping back into the upper 40s. If you are planning to head out on the water this afternoon or tonight, be sure to check tides, updated advisories and local port notices before leaving the dock.
