Seattle, Washington – A quieter and drier weather pattern is expected to settle across Washington and Oregon heading into mid-January, bringing below-normal precipitation and reducing the chances for rain and mountain snow across much of the Pacific Northwest.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Washington and Oregon are favored to see below-normal precipitation during the January 9–13 period, while temperatures trend near to slightly above seasonal averages. This setup supports fewer Pacific storm systems reaching the region and longer stretches of dry weather.
Western Washington and western Oregon, including Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Portland, and the Willamette Valley, are likely to see limited rainfall, with dry or mostly dry days becoming more common. Improved travel conditions are expected along I-5 and regional highways compared to a typical midwinter pattern.
In the Cascades and higher terrain, snow chances also remain below normal for this time of year. While cold nights will persist at elevation, the lack of steady moisture limits the risk for impactful snowfall on mountain passes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and Santiam Pass.
Residents should remain mindful of chilly overnight temperatures, areas of morning fog, and localized frost where skies clear. Overall, the drier pattern is expected to hold into mid-January, though additional updates may be issued if storm tracks shift closer to the Pacific Northwest later in the month.
