Washington – Damp pavement glistens under streetlights this morning as Seattle wakes to a cold, quiet start. The air feels heavy, clouds hang low, and a familiar shift toward wetter winter weather is already underway.
According to the National Weather Service, rain develops later tonight and becomes widespread Wednesday, continuing through Friday. Temperatures hover near the low 50s during the day, with lows staying in the mid to upper 40s. That keeps precipitation liquid across the metro, but chilly mornings may feel raw before rain sets in.
Wednesday brings the first steady round. Rain intensifies by afternoon, with increasing impacts along I-5, I-90, and surface streets through downtown and South Lake Union. Gusty south winds may reach 20 mph at times, adding reduced visibility and ponding on roadways. New rainfall totals remain light to moderate, yet repeated rounds will keep streets slick.
Thursday looks similar, with rain persisting through the day and into evening hours. Drivers should plan extra time during peak commutes and watch for standing water near construction zones and low spots. For now, no snow threat appears for Seattle, but higher elevations in the Cascades continue to monitor wintry conditions.
By Friday, clouds linger and rain continues on and off. Highs climb slightly into the mid-50s, though sunshine remains limited. To be fair, this pattern fits classic winter weather for Western Washington, but the consistency of rain may wear on travel and outdoor plans.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook shows near-normal precipitation and temperatures into early February, signaling no major break yet from the wet pattern.
Keep headlights on in rain, slow down on slick curves, and expect changing conditions after sunset each evening. How wet are roads in your neighborhood right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Seattle, Washington
- Today: Mostly cloudy. High near 51.
- Wednesday: Rain develops. High near 51.
- Thursday: Rain likely. High near 51.
- Friday: Rain. High near 54.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain. High near 56.
