Seattle started Friday under a solid gray lid, with low clouds and temperatures hovering near 54°F. The marine layer should crack open later today and into Saturday, May 23, 2026, letting most neighborhoods grab some afternoon sun. Highs Saturday are on track for the low 70s, with generally mild conditions inland before a wet, breezy front rolls in late Sunday and hangs around through Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. If your holiday hinges on being outside, it is time to sketch out a backup plan, since showers and gusty southerly winds look likely Monday.
Afternoon Clearing, Weekend Sweet Spot
Daytime highs are forecast to reach the low 70s on Saturday and land near 70 on Sunday, with light southwest breezes around 5 to 6 mph and inland clearing by midday. Areas closer to the coast will keep low clouds longer, while interior neighborhoods warm up through the afternoon. All of that makes Saturday the safer bet for barbecues, hikes and park time compared with late Sunday and Monday.
Holiday Turns Wet And Windy
Rain is expected to pick up late Sunday night and spread across the region on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, with highs dropping into the low 60s and gusty southerly winds in the mix. For a deeper look at how this pattern flipped from early-week sunshine to holiday soaking, check out our weather whiplash forecast. Keep tabs on local updates Sunday night in case the front speeds up or slows down.
Marine Alerts And Rough Seas
Forecasters are calling for Small Craft Advisories and a Gale Warning across parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca tonight, with frequent gusts up to about 40 mph in the strait and more widespread southerly gusts of 20 to 35 mph inland on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Seas could build to 12 to 16 feet from late Monday into Tuesday, which may slow ferries and make open‑water boating a bad idea. Secure loose gear, cinch down tents and canopies Sunday night, and budget extra travel time if your route takes you on the water.
Commuters And Holiday Plans
Morning waterfront commutes today could deal with low ceilings and reduced visibility, but roads should brighten and dry out somewhat by afternoon. The more serious slowdown risk arrives Monday, when heavier rain and gusty winds could drag on ferry schedules and snarl surface streets. Plan on layers for the cool, cloudy start Saturday and keep a raincoat handy for Monday, and if you can, shift park meetups and picnics toward the front half of the weekend. Check in on forecast updates Sunday night for any last minute shifts in timing or advisories.
