Seattle

Seattle Breaks Out The Shades As May Warm-Up Nears 80

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Published on May 04, 2026
Seattle Breaks Out The Shades As May Warm-Up Nears 80Source: Google Street View

Seattle is kicking off Monday, May 4, 2026 with clear skies, a quick warm-up and a definite hint of early-summer vibes. Morning temperatures are starting in the mid 50s as sunshine ramps up fast, and observations around the city show blue skies spreading while readings climb toward an afternoon high near 80°F. Light north winds should keep most neighborhoods dry and comfortable into the evening hours.

Afternoon Heat And Where It Will Matter

The warmest spots today will be the interior lowlands and the Eastside, where highs are expected to land in the upper 70s to around 80°F. If you are sticking closer to the immediate coast or heading for the beaches, plan on a cooler feel, with highs generally topping out in the mid 60s. These temperature and timing details line up with the latest forecast from the National Weather Service Seattle.

Foggy Mornings, Clear Afternoons

Offshore, a deck of stratus is pushing up along the coastline this morning, but the marine layer looks shallow enough that most of Puget Sound should break out into sunshine by around midday. Low clouds will cling the longest to the beaches, the Lower Chehalis Valley and parts of the southwest interior, trimming a few degrees off the afternoon highs there.

Forecasters note that low clouds and pockets of IFR ceilings are likely to expand farther into the interior by early Tuesday morning, so some commutes can expect a gray, somewhat gloomy start before skies brighten again.

Boaters Should Pay Attention

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for portions of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and adjacent central waters from about 5 p.m. Monday, May 4 through roughly 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, with gusty westerly winds and choppy seas expected during that window. Operators of small or less-experienced vessels should steer clear of open-water trips while the advisory is active and check the latest marine products before leaving the dock.

Mariners can also expect periods of elevated winds in the central and eastern straits each afternoon and evening through the week, so plan crossings with that daily bump in mind.

Rest Of The Week

Temperatures generally hold in the 60s and 70s through Thursday, with a mild spring weekend on tap. Saturday and Sunday are projected to land mostly in the mid 60s to low 70s. No river flooding is anticipated over the next seven days, so most outdoor plans should roll ahead without weather getting in the way. For context on the recent sunny, dry stretch, check out how Seattle basks in low 70s in the earlier forecast.

For now, a light layer for the cool mornings and sunscreen for the strong afternoon sun should cover you. Coastal locations will still feel breezier and cooler than the city. If your commute or plans take you onto the Strait tonight, give the latest marine forecast a final look before casting off.