Seattle, Washington – A noticeable shift toward milder and drier conditions is expected across Washington beginning Thursday, with temperatures trending above normal while precipitation chances fall below average through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Washington is forecast to experience above-normal temperatures from Thursday through Monday, paired with below-normal precipitation. This pattern signals a break from the persistent storm systems that typically dominate mid-January across the Pacific Northwest.
Western Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, and the I-5 corridor, is expected to see fewer rain events than normal. While clouds will still pass through at times, prolonged or heavy rainfall looks unlikely. Daytime highs are expected to run milder than typical for mid-January, with overnight lows also staying relatively moderate, reducing the risk of frost in lowland areas.
Across western slopes of the Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula, precipitation will be more limited than average, potentially allowing snowpack growth to slow at higher elevations. Mountain passes should see fewer travel disruptions compared to a typical January stretch, though drivers should remain alert for changing conditions.
Eastern Washington, including Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, and the Tri-Cities, is also expected to trend drier than normal. Temperatures will run above seasonal averages, with calmer weather and minimal precipitation. Valley locations may see occasional morning fog or low clouds, but significant weather impacts are not anticipated.
Major travel routes such as Interstate 5, Interstate 90, and U.S. Highway 2 are expected to see generally favorable conditions during this period.
While the drier and warmer pattern may be welcome for travel and outdoor plans, residents should stay mindful of longer-term water and snowpack impacts if this trend persists. For now, the mild and dry setup is expected to hold into early next week, with any return to more active weather likely beyond this timeframe.
