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Puget Sound Fog Alert: Visibility at ¼ Mile or Less Oct 15
Seattle, WA – Dense fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across parts of Western Washington early Thursday, with visibility potentially dropping to one quarter mile or less during the morning
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-15T10:05:16.291Z
Seattle, WA – Dense fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across parts of Western Washington early Thursday, with visibility potentially dropping to one quarter mile or less during the morning commute. The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory covering Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia and several surrounding Puget Sound communities through 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. While sunshine is expected to return later in the day, another weather change is approaching this weekend, bringing a 60% chance of rain Saturday and noticeably cooler afternoon temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the dense fog advisory was issued at 2:07 a.m. Thursday and includes portions of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Kitsap, Thurston and Lewis counties. Forecasters warn that visibility could fall to one quarter mile or less in affected areas, creating potentially hazardous conditions for motorists traveling before the fog dissipates.
Dense Fog Creates Morning Travel Concerns The advisory covers several major population centers, including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue area communities, Lynnwood, Federal Way, Olympia and Bellingham. Reduced visibility may make it difficult for drivers to see vehicles, intersections and changing traffic conditions, particularly along busy commuter corridors.
Motorists using Interstate 5, Interstate 405, Interstate 90 and State Route 16 should exercise additional caution where fog develops. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, use low beam headlights and increase following distances. The advisory does not identify specific highway closures, but sudden changes in visibility could complicate travel through affected areas.
Conditions are expected to improve later Thursday, with sunshine returning and temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees in downtown Seattle. Light winds will become north northwesterly around 5 mph during the afternoon, providing a comparatively pleasant finish to the day after the foggy morning.
Weekend Rain Brings a Noticeable Change Friday is expected to be the warmest day of the forecast period, with mostly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees. Winds will remain relatively light during the day, although conditions begin changing Friday evening as clouds increase and rain chances develop.
The National Weather Service expects a 30% chance of rain after 11 p.m. Friday, with south winds increasing to 8 to 13 mph during the evening. Gusts could reach 20 mph as the next weather system approaches the Seattle metropolitan area.
By Saturday, rain becomes more likely, particularly before 11 a.m., with a 60% chance of precipitation. Forecasters expect mostly cloudy skies and a high near 61 degrees, representing a 12 degree decline from Friday's projected high. New rainfall amounts are expected to remain below one tenth of an inch at the downtown Seattle forecast location.
The combination of wet pavement and cooler temperatures could affect Saturday morning travel along Interstate 5 and Interstate 90. Drivers should allow additional time during periods of rain, although no specific flooding or roadway closures are indicated in the supplied forecast.
Cooler Conditions Continue Into Next Week Sunday brings some improvement, with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 57 degrees. Monday remains cloudy with another high near 57, while Tuesday and Wednesday show modest warming into the upper 50s.
The shift from Friday's 73 degree warmth to Sunday's 57 degree high represents a 16 degree cooling trend across two days.
Are you preparing for Saturday's return of rain, or will Thursday morning's dense fog have the bigger impact on your travel plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Dense fog may reduce visibility to one quarter mile or less during the morning, with the advisory lasting until 9 a.m. Sunshine follows, bringing a high near 69 degrees and a mostly clear nighttime low around 52.
Friday 10/16: Mostly sunny skies will push temperatures to approximately 73 degrees before clouds increase during the evening. A 30% chance of rain develops after 11 p.m., with south winds gusting to 20 mph and a low near 55.
Saturday 10/17: Rain is likely, mainly before 11 a.m., with a 60% precipitation chance and new rainfall amounts below one tenth of an inch. Mostly cloudy skies accompany a high near 61 degrees, followed by a nighttime low around 47.
Sunday 10/18: Cooler conditions continue with partly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 57 degrees. No precipitation is specified for the daytime forecast, while mostly cloudy conditions return Sunday night with a low near 48.
Monday 10/19: Cloudy skies are expected throughout the day, with temperatures reaching approximately 57 degrees. Mostly cloudy conditions continue Monday night, with temperatures falling to around 46 degrees as the cooler weather pattern persists.
Extended Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, should bring partly sunny skies and a high near 58 degrees, followed by mostly clear conditions and a low around 45 Tuesday night.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, is expected to remain partly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 59 degrees. No additional significant precipitation or severe weather threats are identified in the supplied forecast through Wednesday.