Seattle, Washington – A wetter-than-average pattern is poised to return to the Pacific Northwest, with rain chances ramping up between September 23 and 29, potentially disrupting travel, outdoor plans, and harvest activity across Washington and Oregon.
According to the latest 8–14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center, a broad swath of the Pacific Northwest—including the Puget Sound region and much of western Oregon—is favored for above-normal precipitation. This shift marks a significant change from the region’s typically dry September conditions and could bring the season’s first prolonged stretch of wet weather.
Urban centers like Seattle, Portland, and Olympia could see multiple days of measurable rainfall. Mountain passes such as Snoqualmie and Stevens could become slick, especially during overnight hours, with fog and low visibility complicating travel. Residents are encouraged to clear storm drains and prepare for potential ponding on roads and minor localized flooding in poor drainage areas.
While the increased rain may ease wildfire concerns in drier interior sections, it also heightens the risk of slick roads and power disruptions as tree limbs react to gusty winds accompanying some systems.
Daily showers are expected to become more frequent through the middle of next week, with the possibility of heavier bursts by the weekend.
