Westward Storms Bring Needed Rain to Puget Sound

The weather pattern is set to change significantly as September begins, with a shift westward towards the Pacific where fall storms are forming. Tuesday, September 2nd, will remain dry with near-average temperatures, including morning lows in the 50s and afternoon highs in the 70s.

However, by Tuesday evening, showers are expected to reach the coast, with rain developing overnight and into Wednesday. This marks the onset of the region's most substantial rainfall event since early June. While the lowlands might see light showers Wednesday morning, steadier and heavier rain will develop along the coast before moving inland throughout the day.

Accompanying the rain, winds will pick up, with gusts of 20 to 30 mph anticipated in most inland areas, including the Puget Sound region, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Coastal areas and northern Washington could experience gusts above 30 mph.

Showers are forecast to continue into Thursday, with a possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the lowlands and a higher risk of lightning in mountainous areas. The weather will remain blustery, keeping highs in the 60s for Wednesday and Thursday.

This active weather stretch will bring welcome rainfall after a dry summer. Rainfall totals from Wednesday through Thursday are projected to average one-half to three-quarters of an inch across the Puget Sound region. Coastal areas and foothills could see over an inch, with some parts of the Olympics potentially receiving more than two inches.

Burn scar areas will be monitored for localized flooding. The rainfall in the Cascades and eastern slopes will also aid firefighters. Rain chances will gradually decrease by Friday, with a slight possibility of showers remaining for the following weekend. High temperatures are expected to rebound into the upper 60s and lower 70s.