Seattle, we hope you enjoyed that little tease of spring—because it’s over. The recent stretch of unseasonably warm and sunny weather had many people fooled into thinking winter was done for good. But Mother Nature has other plans.
Starting this week, Seattle will return to its classic March gloom, with persistent rain, cooler temperatures, and breezy conditions taking over. If you had already packed away your raincoat, it’s time to bring it back out—because the umbrellas and waterproof boots will be getting plenty of use in the coming days.
When Will the Rain Start and How Bad Will It Be?
The transition back to wet and chilly weather starts on Monday, March 4, with a mix of clouds and scattered showers. Things will turn even wetter by Tuesday, as a new weather system pushes through, bringing steady rain and breezy winds.
Here’s what to expect for the rest of the week:
- Monday, March 4: A cloudy start with a few light showers, but mostly dry in the afternoon. High: 53°F (12°C), Low: 41°F (5°C).
- Tuesday, March 5: A rainy day ahead—expect showers to start by midday and stick around. Breezy conditions in the afternoon. High of 55°F (13°C), low of 44°F (6°C).
- Wednesday, March 6: More clouds, occasional rain showers, and a slight dip in temperatures. High of 54°F (12°C), low of 42°F (5°C).
- Thursday, March 7: A brief break from rain with some sunshine, but temperatures stay cool. High: 53°F (11°C), Low: 40°F (4°C).
- Friday, March 8: Clouds return with scattered showers throughout the day. High of 54°F (12°C), low of 42°F (6°C).
- Saturday, March 9: Periods of light rain, cloudy skies, and breezy winds. High near 52°F (11°C), low of 44°F (6°C).
- Sunday, March 10: Cloudy, chilly, and a chance of light rain. High near 53°F (12°C), low around 41°F (5°C).
How Will This Weather Impact Seattle?
Seattle is no stranger to rain, but this week-long stretch of showers and cooler air means:
- Outdoor plans will be tricky – If you had plans for hiking, biking, or weekend festivals, expect wet trails and soggy events.
- Morning commutes will be wet and slow – Rain will reduce visibility and make roads slick, so expect longer drive times and possible delays.
- Flooding could become an issue – While no major flooding is expected, areas with poor drainage could see standing water, making walking and driving more hazardous.
How to Stay Comfortable in This Gloomy Weather
This drizzly, chilly stretch may not be a surprise for Seattle, but it can still catch people off guard after a warm streak. Here’s how to stay prepared:
- Keep your rain gear handy – A good umbrella, waterproof jacket, and sturdy boots will make dealing with the rain much easier.
- Drive carefully – Wet roads can be dangerous, especially when oil buildup makes them extra slick after a dry spell.
- Stay warm indoors – With cooler air sticking around, this is the perfect week to enjoy cozy indoor activities like reading, movie nights, or coffee shop visits.
- Watch for breezy conditions – Wind gusts could pick up, making it feel even colder than the thermometer suggests.
What’s Causing This Sudden Change?
Seattle had been experiencing a rare ‘false spring’, thanks to a strong high-pressure system keeping the Pacific Northwest dry and mild. But now, that pattern is breaking down, allowing cooler air and storm systems to move back in from the Pacific.
Meteorologists say this shift is more in line with a typical Seattle March, so don’t expect another warm streak anytime soon. Instead, we’ll see more days of light-to-moderate rain, passing cold fronts, and occasional breaks of sunshine in between.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s brief flirtation with spring has come to an end, and March is bringing back its usual dose of rain and gray skies. While it’s nothing new for the Pacific Northwest, this week’s cooldown will be a stark reminder that winter isn’t quite over yet.
