Seattle woke up to clear skies and mild air Thursday, May 28, with temperatures in the mid-50s at local stations and inland neighborhoods expected to climb into the upper 70s by mid-afternoon. Enjoy it while it lasts: an onshore push is set to move in late Thursday night, bringing a chance of rain and turning Friday’s commute into a cooler, wet slog.
Afternoon Warmth, Cooler Waterfront
Interior neighborhoods should snag the warmest readings, with highs near 78°F by mid-afternoon, while waterfront spots hover in the mid-60s. Light northwest breezes will help keep the marine layer parked offshore through the day, so most neighborhoods can expect mostly sunny skies and a brief taste of early-summer warmth.
Late Thursday Rain And Marine Warnings
Rain chances start to climb after 11 p.m. Thursday, with showers more likely on Friday as highs tumble to around 59°F. The timing puts Friday morning squarely in the impact zone for commuters.
Out on the water, it is a rougher story. The National Weather Service Seattle has issued a Gale Warning for the central and east Strait of Juan de Fuca, along with multiple Small Craft Advisories through Friday. Mariners can expect choppy seas and gusty winds. New rainfall amounts are forecast to stay light, under a tenth of an inch, but short, steady showers could slow surface commutes and slick up roadways. Travelers are urged to check updated marine and road advisories before heading out, according to the National Weather Service Seattle.
Commute And Travel Notes
Plan on a rain jacket for Friday’s morning commute and build in some extra travel time, since standing water and slow traffic are both on the table during peak hours. Flights should be in good shape through Thursday afternoon, but lower ceilings and scattered showers overnight into Friday could trigger delays, so it is worth checking airline updates before leaving for the airport.
This story updates the May 27 forecast preview; for more context, revisit the midweek sun preview.
Weekend Outlook
Winds and seas should ease on Saturday, setting up a mostly sunny day with highs near 63°F. Sunday looks even brighter, with sunshine and highs in the mid-60s. Early next week points back toward warmer inland weather, with highs in the low 70s Monday and possibly the low 80s Tuesday, before another weak marine push slides in and brings a modest cooldown later in the week.
