Washingtonians, get ready for a weekend filled with all the classics— steady rain, mountain snow, and the dreaded time change. If you’re hoping for a break from the wet weather, don’t count on it. Saturday and Sunday will both be damp, and if you’re traveling through the mountains, expect fresh snowfall. Oh, and don’t forget to set your clocks ahead—Daylight Saving Time is here, which means longer evenings but one less hour of sleep.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out this weekend.
Saturday: A Soggy and Chilly Day
If you had outdoor plans, you might want to rethink them. A steady stream of rain will soak most of Washington, making for a classic Pacific Northwest Saturday—gray, wet, and chilly.
Highs Across the State:
- Seattle: 50°F – Rainy and breezy, not exactly ideal.
- Spokane: 45°F – Cold and drizzly, with heavier rain later in the day.
- Olympia: 49°F – Steady showers throughout the day.
- Bellingham: 48°F – Morning drizzle, heavier rain by the evening.
What to Expect:
- Rain, rain, and more rain. It’ll be off and on all day.
- Windy near the coast and Puget Sound. Not a storm, but enough to be annoying.
- Slick roads and puddles everywhere. Drive carefully, and watch for pooling water!
How to Handle a Rainy Saturday:
Stay inside if you can. It’s the perfect day for coffee shops, bookstores, or just binge-watching something cozy.
If you must go out, dress for the weather. A rain jacket and waterproof shoes are a must.
Watch for minor flooding. Areas with poor drainage could see some standing water.
Sunday: More Rain, Mountain Snow, and the Dreaded Time Change
Sunday will be just as wet, but colder air moving in means snow levels will drop in the mountains. If you’re traveling through Snoqualmie, Stevens, or White Pass, expect fresh snow.
Sunday’s Highs:
- Seattle: 49°F – Rainy, windy, and overall gloomy.
- Spokane: 44°F – Rain with a chance of wet snow mixing in nearby.
- Cascade Passes: Snow levels dropping to 3,000 feet—chains may be required.
What to Expect:
- More rain in the lowlands—no surprise there.
- Fresh snowfall in the mountains. Great for skiing, not so great for driving.
- Gusty winds along the coast and in the foothills.
If You’re Traveling Over the Mountain Passes:
- Check road conditions before heading out. Chains may be required.
- Plan for delays. Snow and traffic could slow things down.
- If you’re skiing or snowboarding, expect fresh powder! But get there early before the roads get messy.
And Let’s Not Forget… Daylight Saving Time!
At 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 10, clocks move forward one hour. That means:
- One less hour of sleep. (Yes, it’s going to hurt.)
- Sunset after 7:00 PM! Finally, longer daylight in the evenings.
- Check your clocks. Your phone will update, but your stove, microwave, and car clock might need a manual fix.
How to Adjust for the Time Change:
Go to bed a little earlier on Saturday night. Even 30 minutes can help.
Plan for an extra cup of coffee on Sunday morning. You’re going to need it.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors. It’s a good habit to do with every time change.
Next Week: More Rain, Because of Course
Enjoy the weekend rain, because guess what? It’s not stopping.
What’s Coming Next Week:
- More rain Monday-Wednesday. Shocking, I know.
- Mountain snow levels could drop even lower. If you’re in Eastern Washington or traveling over the passes, keep an eye on forecasts.
- Some areas could see over an inch of rain. Coastal and foothill regions should be ready for heavier showers.
How to Prepare:
Keep that rain jacket handy. It’s not getting any drier.
If you’re traveling, check mountain pass conditions. Snow will continue to be an issue.
Watch for urban flooding in low-lying areas.
