Seattle residents can expect a chilly week ahead with frosty mornings, clear skies, and a shift toward rain and drizzle by the weekend. The week will start with cold, sunny days and freezing nights, but by Saturday, clouds and rain will take over, making for a typical Pacific Northwest finish.
If you’ve been enjoying the dry spell, be sure to soak up the sun early this week because Seattle’s signature rain is coming back.
What’s Causing the Chilly Temperatures?
A cold air mass from the north is currently parked over the region, keeping temperatures low and mornings frosty. The coldest days will be early in the week, with overnight lows dipping into the low 20s°F (-5°C). As we move toward the weekend, cloud cover will trap some warmth, bringing temperatures slightly up but also introducing rain.
Here’s what you can expect day by day:
Your Daily Forecast Breakdown
-
Tuesday, February 11: Mostly sunny skies dominate the day, but don’t let the sunshine fool you—it’ll be cold. Temperatures will reach a high of 38°F (4°C), and the overnight low will be a freezing 23°F (-5°C). You’ll want to layer up if you’re heading out in the morning.
-
Wednesday, February 12: Another chilly day with sunshine, though clouds may build in the afternoon. The high will be 42°F (5°C), and the low will remain cold at 24°F (-5°C).
-
Thursday, February 13: High clouds will filter the sunlight, making for a partly sunny day. The high will reach 42°F (6°C), and the overnight low will begin to warm slightly to 31°F (-1°C).
-
Friday, February 14: Mostly sunny conditions will persist, with a daytime high of 44°F (7°C). By evening, the low will be 34°F (1°C), a sign that warmer air is creeping in ahead of the weekend.
-
Saturday, February 15: The clouds return, bringing intermittent rain and drizzle by the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high of 45°F (7°C), but the rain and damp conditions will make it feel colder. The low will be 38°F (4°C).
-
Sunday, February 16: Thick clouds and occasional rain will dominate the day. Expect a high of 50°F (10°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C). While it will feel warmer than earlier in the week, the rain may put a damper on outdoor plans.
What to Watch Out For
1. Cold Mornings: Temperatures will drop into the low 20s°F (-5°C) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, so dress warmly if you have to be outside. Frosty car windows and icy sidewalks are likely, especially in the early morning hours.
2. Weekend Rain: After several dry days, the weekend will bring Seattle’s typical drizzle and clouds. If you’ve been holding off on outdoor plans, try to get them done before Saturday afternoon.
3. Temperature Swings: While daytime highs will stay in the upper 30s°F to low 40s°F, the nights will be much colder early in the week. By the weekend, the increased cloud cover will help retain some warmth, keeping lows in the 30s°F.
How to Stay Prepared
- Dress in Layers: Even if the sun is out, the wind chill and low temperatures will make it feel colder than it looks.
- Clear Frost Early: If you’re driving in the mornings, give yourself extra time to defrost car windows.
- Plan Outdoor Activities for Early in the Week: If you’re looking to enjoy the sunshine, Monday through Friday will be your best bet. The weekend will be damp and cloudy.
- Watch for Slick Spots: Early morning frost could create slick sidewalks and roads, especially in shaded areas.
What’s Behind the Weekend Rain?
A system of low pressure moving in from the Pacific Ocean will push moisture into the Seattle area starting on Saturday. With daytime temperatures rising slightly into the mid-40s°F, the precipitation will remain as rain rather than snow. Showers will be light at first but could become more persistent by Sunday.
The combination of wet roads and colder temperatures could create slick conditions, especially during nighttime hours.
Quick Forecast Recap:
- Monday: Cloudy, then sunny, high of 39°F (4°C), low of 23°F (-5°C).
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 38°F (4°C), low of 23°F (-5°C).
- Wednesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, high of 42°F (5°C), low of 24°F (-5°C).
- Thursday: Sun filtering through high clouds, high of 42°F (6°C), low of 31°F (-1°C).
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 44°F (7°C), low of 34°F (1°C).
- Saturday: Cloudy with afternoon rain and drizzle, high of 45°F (7°C), low of 38°F (4°C).
- Sunday: Cloudy with occasional rain, high of 50°F (10°C), low of 43°F (6°C).
Final Thoughts: A Cold Start, but a Wet Finish for Seattle
Seattle will experience a week of clear, crisp winter weather before returning to typical rainy conditions over the weekend. While the sunshine early in the week will be a welcome break from the usual gray skies, the frosty mornings and freezing nights will keep residents bundled up.
As the weekend approaches, be prepared for clouds, drizzle, and cooler temperatures to settle back in. Make the most of the dry days before Seattle’s rainy reputation makes a comeback
