Washington starts the morning under a cold, quiet sky, but the real concern sits beneath the surface. Saturated soil across western parts of the state has pushed landslide risk higher, and another round of rain could act as the trigger as Christmas Eve approaches.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, heavy rainfall over the past week has left hillsides unstable across western Washington. While rain today remains relatively light, additional showers Monday into Wednesday may be enough to spark landslides or debris flows, especially near steep slopes, road cuts, and burn scars.
In Seattle, Monday brings scattered rain developing by afternoon with highs near the upper 40s. Roads turn slick quickly as temperatures hover just above freezing in the early morning. Drivers should stay alert on hillside routes and avoid areas with a history of slides.
Rain continues into Monday night and returns again Tuesday, though breaks are expected. Even lighter rainfall matters now. Forecasters note that soil remains primed, meaning smaller bursts could still cause problems. By Tuesday night into Wednesday, rain becomes more likely again as a frontal system moves through.
Christmas Eve trends damp and cool, with highs in the low to mid-40s. While snow is not expected in the city, colder air keeps pavement chilly. That combination raises concerns for standing water, slick roads, and unstable slopes during holiday travel.
Residents should monitor slopes near homes, watch for new cracks or leaning trees, and report slides promptly. Travelers are urged to plan extra time and avoid unnecessary hillside travel during heavier rain.
Conditions may remain unsettled beyond Christmas. Have you noticed pooling water or slope issues near your neighborhood? Share what you’re seeing.
Five-Day Outlook for Seattle, Washington
- Monday: Rain developing, breezy; high near 48°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with spotty rain; high near 45°F
- Wednesday: Rain likely; high near 44°F
- Christmas Day: Chance of rain, mostly cloudy; high near 42°F
- Thursday: Continued chance of rain; high near 44°F
