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Seattle weather: Mix of sun, clouds, showers for Tuesday
Tuesday will be a mix of sun, clouds, and a few spotty showers. Winds will ease on Tuesday compared to overnight, but still breezy at times. Also, a mix of rain and snow in the mountain passes for holiday travelers.
The weather will be fairly quiet for Christmas Eve, but active weather returns just in time for Christmas.
For today, there will be partly sunny skies, occasional showers and a stray, weak thunderstorm. It’ll be slightly breezy.
Temperatures in Seattle will range in the upper 40s to low 50s on Tuesday afternoon. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Speaking of winds, gusts settled quickly early this morning after peaking last night and into the early hours of this morning along Bellingham, Whidbey Island and some of the Cascade gap communities.
Tomorrow through Friday, two atmospheric rivers will take aim at western Washington. This will bring times of lowland rain, significant mountain snow and strong winds for some.
We're tracking the chance for heavy mountain snow Wednesday into Thursday in Washington. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Feet of mountain snow ahead with avalanche danger in WA
A Winter Storm Watch is posted for the Olympics and Cascades between Wednesday afternoon to Friday morning at and above 3,500 feet in elevation. There could be between 18 and 24 inches of snow. Combined with gusts to 55 mph, there will be blowing snow and lowered visibility.
While there will be less snow along Snoqualmie Pass, between six and nine inches will pile up there from Wednesday to Friday. Sometimes, even moderate amounts of snow can create issues. Check WSDOT conditions before driving over the passes this week!
A Winter Storm Watch is posted for the mountains between Christmas through Friday morning. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Because of the rapidly-changing conditions and forceful winds, the threat of avalanches will be spiking in the days ahead. The backcountry will be exceedingly dangerous. Check forecasts and conditions via the Northwest Avalanche Center.
An atmospheric river will impact Seattle on Christmas and the day after. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Powerful winds in WA for some this week
A High Wind Watch is posted for the coast from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon. Gusts up to 55 to 65 mph (the strongest winds peaking Thursday morning) could take down trees, blow around Christmas decor and cause power outages. Keep your phone charged, don’t spend time outside while the winds are blowing and try to limit driving through heavily forested streets as the gusts peak.
Powerful winds could lead to power outages and damages along the coast and North Sound on Wednesday and Thursday.
Over the Admiralty Inlet area, the San Juans and Western Whatcom and Skagit Counties, a High Wind Watch from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon is posted for gusts potentially getting to 55 mph. Damages and power outages are likely.
Powerful winds could lead to power outages and damages along the coast and North Sound on Wednesday and Thursday. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Elsewhere in Western Washington, it’ll be windy the next couple of days. However, winds probably won’t be damaging except for where the High Wind Watches are in effect. Of course, this forecast could change. In the days that follow, there could be additional rounds of wind, too. Stay tuned for any updates!
Rain forecast increasing the risk for river flooding and landslides in WA
A Flood Warning remains in effect until further notice for the Skokomish River at Potlatch in Mason County. Minor flooding is happening, and moderate flooding is forecast.
There is a threat of minor river flooding along the rivers coming out of the Olympics between Friday into this weekend due to heavy rain in the forecast. Elsewhere in western Washington, river levels will be rising. However, we don’t expect river flooding for most rivers in Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties. This is due to a few reasons, including the fact that it’ll remain somewhat cool over the mountains, which will prevent rain and snowmelt in the Cascades from overwhelming most rivers coming out of its mountains. Once again, this is an evolving situation and subject to change. Keep it here for the latest.
Between Christmas and the weekend, there will be periods of moderate to heavy rain in western Washington. The risk for landslides could increase.
In the days ahead, driving in the rain could be treacherous at times. We can’t rule out hyper-localized street flooding should there be heavy downpours over areas with poor or clogged drainage.
Thunderstorm chances this week in WA
There’s a small risk for thunder today and tomorrow (primarily over the coast). On Thursday, there may be a couple of lightning strikes as well.
Rainy and gusty weather is predicted in Seattle on Christmas! (FOX 13 Seattle)
High surf and coastal flooding in WA
There will be dangerous high surf along the coast today through Thursday. Never turn your back to the ocean. Avoid walking along the beaches and jetties. Large waves can suddenly sweep people into the ocean and cause serious injury. Waves up to 16 to 20 feet in the surf zone will continue today. Waves of 18 to 24 feet in the surf zone are expected from Wednesday night to Thursday evening. We’ll have to watch for any coastal flooding this week as well.
Rough and dangerous waves are forecast for the coast Wednesday and Thursday. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Thanks so much for choosing the FOX 13 weather team! We appreciate you and your viewership so much.
Warmly,
Meteorologist Abby Acone
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