February 24, 2025

A Stormy Start to Week 8

By: Joseph Renalds

Hey Huskies!

Hopefully the soggy weekend has not been too much of a damper for you. The atmospheric river and other embedded storm systems have produced around 1.5 inches of rain since Friday which is helping us make up for our dry January and start to February. Unfortunately it is a relatively warm air mass so it is not beneficial for mountain snowpack.

The active weather will continue to start Week 8 with more rounds of rain and wind set to move in. Taking a look at the satellite this evening we can see the area of low pressure developing offshore that will soon bring us unsettled conditions. 

After a dry and somewhat calm overnight, the rain will return by late morning around 11:30 AM. Shower activity will follow the initial wave of rain throughout the day, which could be heavy at times, with even the slight chance of a thunderstorm. There could also be some gusty winds associated with these showers as the convection will mix some stronger winds aloft down to the surface ahead of additional wind in the evening hours. 

Along with this storm comes the potential of some wind. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 1:00 PM Monday through 7:00 AM Tuesday for the Seattle area highlighting the potential for wind gusts in the 40-50 mph range. 

There is still some uncertainty in the forecast because of how dependent the impacts are on the low pressure’s track and strength as it moves inland. This does not appear to be a major wind event since the low pressure will weaken as it moves inland and is a bit farther south than what we look for to produce big events in Seattle. However, there could be localized areas where convection once again mixes stronger winds aloft down to the surface. 

The strongest winds look to occur between 12:00 AM and 5:00AM, so make sure to be indoors during this time and start charging your phones when you get home just in case. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog for the latest updates.

Temperatures are closer to average now with highs just above 50 degrees and lows in the low 40s. After the active weather has moved through on Tuesday we will get an appearance of “fake spring” conditions on Wednesday. The high temperature will get up to around 60 degrees for the first time this year, but it only lasts for a day before we return to the pattern we are all so familiar with. 

Have a great week Huskies!

Reach forecaster Joseph Renalds at theuwdawgcast@uw.edu, on X/Twitter @TheUWDawgcast, or on Instagram @uwdawgcast.