Wet weather, possible thunderstorms in Seattle into Saturday

SEATTLE - After periods of rain and breezy conditions earlier Friday, Western Washington remained under a chilly upper-level trough of low pressure that continued to trigger scattered showers, cloudy skies, and even the chance of isolated thunderstorms across the region.

While the overall lightning threat stayed fairly low Friday, our weather team continued monitoring the potential for heavier downpours, small hail, and brief thunderstorms developing at times through the afternoon and evening.

Temperatures also ran remarkably cool for mid-May, with highs only ending up a couple degrees above the record coldest high temperature for May 15.

Rainy and cloudy into Saturday

The unsettled pattern will continue Saturday as the upper-level trough lingers overhead, keeping rounds of showers, cloudy skies, and occasional thunderstorms in the forecast through the day.

While thunderstorms can develop almost anytime Saturday — including during the morning or midday hours — the overall thunder potential will likely be slightly higher compared to Friday. Roads may become slick at times during heavier showers, and anyone outdoors should be prepared to move inside quickly if thunder develops nearby.

The colder air associated with this system will also allow snow levels to drop low enough for periods of mountain snow across the higher passes. Stevens Pass and White Pass could see minor snow accumulations Friday night into Saturday morning, with another round of mountain snow possible Saturday evening.

While snowflakes may mix in at times over Snoqualmie Pass, accumulations there currently appear unlikely.

A winter weather advisory is posted for the Olympics and Cascades above 4,000 feet in elevation until 8 a.m. Sunday.

Weather drying out in Seattle to end the weekend

Conditions will begin improving Sunday as drier weather gradually returns to Western Washington. Morning clouds and areas of fog will likely give way to increasing afternoon sunshine Sunday, with temperatures remaining slightly below normal but beginning a gradual warming trend.

Dryer and warmer weather is expected to continue into much of next week, with temperatures climbing steadily by Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs could approach the 70-degree mark by both Wednesday and Thursday as sunshine becomes more widespread across the region.

Take good care,

Meteorologist Abby Acone and the FOX 13 Weather Team

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