Weather
Seattle Weekend Forecast: Less Smoke, More Rain
Rain showers this weekend should be enough to push out the rest of the smoke and keep it from returning. Here's a look at what's in store.
SEATTLE, WA — After a long week of smoky skies and unhealthy air, rain has finally arrived to help clear things up. The frontal system began pushing its way into the Puget Sound region on Friday, bringing with it scattered shower activity, and even few lightning strikes.
Here it comes! Rain is making its way into the south Sound region. Heads up for thunderstorms this afternoon! #wawx pic.twitter.com/L4vCc4AQtJ
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) September 18, 2020
That system is expected to continue making its way through the region Saturday, and forecasters are predicting a 90 percent chance of rain for many communities. On Sunday, the rain will largely subside but the clouds will remain through Monday.
Skies will clear on Tuesday, but expect to see even more rain Wednesday and Thursday when a second frontal system moves in. Highs will remain in the upper 60s to lower 70s, with lows dipping into the mid 50s at night.
Find out what's happening in Seattlewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Wow, just 4 days until autumn begins. 2020 has just flown by. (Yes, of course I'm kidding). Well, it's going to at least act like early autumn over the next few days with rain chances on multiple days. In fact, a decent frontal system is possible by Wednesday. Imagine that. #wawx pic.twitter.com/TUX7Dha3GC
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) September 18, 2020
Luckily, this forecast also calls for an end to the smoke that has been choking western Washington the past week.
As the rain moves in this weekend, it is expected to push the smoke out. Friday evening, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency reported that the air quality remained largely unhealthy, but that they expect it to improve over the day Saturday— possibly even moving back into the "good" range.
Find out what's happening in Seattlewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
PM update: Air quality throughout @KingCountyWA @KitsapWa @PierceCo @SnoCounty continues to improve, but despite rain is still UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY for everyone. Wind/rain through Sat should bring us to MODERATE or GOOD air quality. https://t.co/VhUWCQDNA4 pic.twitter.com/YxquOu0oPD
— PS Clean Air Agency (@pscleanair) September 18, 2020
Until air quality returned to normal levels, experts continue to warn that anyone who is sensitive to respiratory issues should remain indoors as much as possible. The National Weather Service says that the homeless population, elderly children and those with underlying health issues are the most at risk when the air quality is low.
Here's Seattle's 5-day forecast from the National Weather Service:
- Saturday: 68°/58° (Showers likely)
- Sunday: 70°/55° (Chance of showers)
- Monday: 69°/56° (Chance of showers)
- Tuesday: 70°/58° (Partly sunny)
- Wednesday: 71°/60° (Chance of showers)
Smoke may be gone, but wildfire danger remains
Just because it will be rainy this weekend and late next week, doesn't mean Washington is out of the woods just yet when it comes to wildfire season. The National Weather Service is warning that there is a slight chance weekend thunderstorms could spark up additional brush fires, and a comprehensive burn ban remains in place for most of western Washington and DNR controlled lands.
The past 12 days, we’ve seen how tinder-dry our forests and grasslands are in every corner of our state. The #BigHollowFire is a clear reminder that #wildfire is not an east or west issue — it’s a Washington issue. Jeff Bortner, DNR Pacific Cascade Fire District Manager pic.twitter.com/CtGpIQ187l
— Hilary Franz (@Hilary_FranzCPL) September 18, 2020
Patch reporter Charles Woodman contributed to this story.
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