Seattle rolled into Sunday under a light veil of smoke and a crisp start to the day, with Boeing Field (KBFI) clocking in around 55°F early this morning. The thin haze is expected to ease as the day goes on and the sun punches through, leaving most inland neighborhoods with a bright afternoon while spots right on the water stay noticeably cooler. Small fires burning in the Olympics and Cascades are feeding some of that smoke, and officials are urging anyone heading for the higher country to use extra caution.
Afternoon Sun And A Quick Warm-Up
After a mostly cloudy and hazy start, much of the city should break out into sunshine by midday, with highs near 73°F on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday look a bit warmer, with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and a few interior locations flirting with 79°F. North winds will generally stay light at 5-10 mph, although some breezier pockets could kick up along the Sound in the evening. Forecasters expect the warm stretch to be short-lived, as a weak front is on track for midweek, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Rougher Water Tonight; Small Boats Take Note
Out on the water, conditions will be less mellow. Westerly winds and building seas are expected to kick up choppy conditions through Sunday night across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet and the outer coast, with advisory-level conditions likely in more exposed areas. Mariners should be ready for seas of 6 to 10 feet in some spots and gusty westerlies that can make for a bumpy ride, especially for smaller vessels. Operators of small craft are advised to stick to more sheltered waters or consider delaying trips, and to check the latest marine outlook and advisories before heading out, according to the National Weather Service.
Smoke, Fire Safety And Outdoor Plans
Closer to home, low-level onshore flow should help boost overnight humidity and keep fire-weather concerns relatively low for most neighborhoods. Even so, with small fires active in the mountains, hikers and campers are urged to stay alert and avoid open flames. Anyone planning a day trip into the Cascades or Olympics will want to pack layers for those cool, smoky-tinged mornings and aim for outdoor time during the sunnier afternoons. Around Seattle itself, gray starts are expected to gradually give way to pleasant, mostly sunny afternoons, offering a solid window for errands, a few hours at the park or a late-day run once the haze thins.
