Seattle woke up Saturday, July 18, under a stubborn lid of marine clouds at Boeing Field, with KBFI reporting mostly cloudy skies and a cool 57°F. The gray should peel back inland by late morning, setting most neighborhoods up for a sunny afternoon and a high near 76°F. Coastal spots and the immediate waterfront are expected to stay a few degrees cooler, and light winds will keep things comfortable away from the water. Anyone with evening plans on the water, though, will want to pay close attention to marine advisories that kick in later today.
Afternoon: Clouds Break, Sun Returns
Low stratus is forecast to erode across the interior by midmorning, giving way to mostly sunny skies and light west-southwest winds around 2 to 7 mph. Temperatures should peak near 76°F around Seattle, with some inland areas climbing into the upper 70s on Saturday, July 18, while shoreline neighborhoods stay a bit cooler. For detailed timing and updates, check the National Weather Service Seattle.
Evening: Small Craft Advisories For Boaters
The National Weather Service has issued Small Craft Advisories beginning at 5 PM Saturday, July 18 for portions of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and nearby coastal waters. The advisory for the central strait and east entrance runs until 1 AM Sunday, July 19, while some coastal stretches remain under advisory through 11 AM Sunday, July 19. Westerly gusts and choppy seas could make conditions hazardous for small vessels, especially in more exposed spots, so inexperienced boaters are urged to stay out of open water tonight. Before you shove off, check the latest marine forecast from the National Weather Service Seattle.
Week Ahead: Warming Into The 80s
High pressure is expected to build early next week, nudging temperatures into the low 80s on Monday, July 20 and into the mid 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday (July 21 to 22) for interior neighborhoods. The forecast calls for a moderate heat risk for the interior Monday through Wednesday, with Central and Southern Puget Sound areas most vulnerable to stronger heat impacts. Public Health - Seattle & King County advises using cooling locations, shifting strenuous outdoor work to cooler times of day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Their full guidance is available from Public Health - Seattle & King County.
What To Know And Do
During the upcoming warm stretch, try to schedule outdoor errands and chores for the morning or evening and drink plenty of water if you need to be outside during the hotter hours. If you plan to head out on the water this evening, stick to more sheltered harbors or wait until marine conditions settle down, since small boats are especially vulnerable in choppy seas. If you need a cooler place to be, call 2-1-1 or check with local libraries and community centers for their hours and availability.
