381 FXUS66 KSEW 062234 AFDSEWArea Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Seattle WA 334 PM PDT Sat Sep 6 2025
.SYNOPSIS...An upper level trough will remain offshore through the weekend before shifting inland early next week, maintaining cooler and unsettled conditions with chances for showers and thunderstorms across western Washington. A brief period of drier conditions is possible towards the latter half of next week, with a return of showers by next weekend.
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.SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...A deep upper level low continues to churn offshore today as a series of shortwaves in the southerly flow aloft stir up shower and thunderstorm activity across the region. The ripple that brought showers and thunderstorms to the south Puget Sound this morning will continue to exit to the north this afternoon with lingering light showers progressing to the northwest. The next, slightly stronger shortwave will continue to move northward over central Oregon this afternoon, reaching Washington by this evening. The greatest potential for thunderstorm activity remains over the Cascades, where ensembles maintain a moderate (30% to 40%) chance of thunderstorms. The main threat of these storms will be frequent lightning, accompanied by outflow wind gusts up to 30-35 mph. However, models continue to show a large amount of uncertainty over the exact placement and coverage of thunderstorms that may develop later this afternoon and evening with a 10% to 30% chance across the lowlands. Thunderstorms are favored to develop over the Cascades and foothills, and may drift north to northwest over the lowlands later this evening, but confidence is low. Wildfire smoke and cloud cover continue to complicate convection, which may prove to be limiting factors. Temperatures are on track to reach the mid 70s across much of the lowlands and in the 60s along the coast.
Another ripple in the southerly flow aloft will move over western Washington overnight into Sunday morning, maintaining the chance for nocturnal convection. High resolution forecast models continue to show vast differences over the coverage and intensity of any overnight activity that may develop, but the best chances for convection once again look to be over the Cascades. Temperatures will cool several degrees on Sunday, peaking in the 60s to near 70 degrees for most areas.
The upper level trough will move inland over Oregon on Monday and Tuesday, with continued chances for showers and isolated thunderstorms primarily over the mountains. As the trough weakens, chances for precipitation will slowly diminish and high pressure will begin to build along the coast. Cooler and cloudy conditions will continue across western Washington, with highs staying in the 60s to low 70s.
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...Forecast confidence decreases heading into the long term, though most operational models show upper level ridging building along the coast during the latter half of next week. This would allow for a brief period of drier conditions and a return to near-normal temperatures. Ensembles show unsettled conditions returning by next weekend, with potential for more precipitation across the region as early as next Friday.
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.AVIATION...An upper ridge axis over the Northern Rockies and a broad upper trough offshore continue to promote south to southeast flow aloft over Western Washington. Light low level onshore flow continues near the surface. Widespread wildfire smoke and haze aloft will persist across the region. An upper level disturbance will lead to elevated instability for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms from early evening into the overnight hours. Some of this could impact Puget Sound area terminals. Coastal stratus will spread inland once again tonight with widespread LIFR or IFR ceilings expected west of the Cascades on Sunday morning.
KSEA...Hazy conditions with varying amounts of mid and high level clouds are expected to continue into this evening. Concern for a renewed threat of thunder remains and current thinking now favors later this evening...in the 03Z to 08Z window. LIFR/IFR stratus is expected to return to the terminal 09Z-12Z Sunday morning. Surface winds S/SW 5 to 7 knots...except locally gusty and erratic around any thunderstorms.
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.MARINE...A weak surface ridge over the coastal and offshore waters will be replaced by a weak low on Sunday. This general pattern will persist early next week before a stronger surface ridge rebuilds offshore around the middle of next week.
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.FIRE WEATHER...The next round of thunderstorms will likely develop and move into the region from the south or southeast this afternoon and evening, with around a 30-40% chance of thunderstorms near the Cascades, and still a 15-20% chance across nearly all of western Washington. This threat will linger Sunday as additional disturbances push up and across the region, especially for the Cascades. The main hazards with these thunderstorms are gusty erratic winds, brief heavy downpours, and frequent lightning. That said, confidence in sufficient coverage to warrant critical conditions and associated fire weather headlines remains low. Expect a lull on Monday, but another disturbance Tuesday will bring another round of showers and Cascade thunderstorm chances. That said, the continued trend of cooler and cloudier conditions and increased moisture should continue to bring a lowering trend with respect to expected fire weather impacts as the next week progresses.
Cullen
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.SEW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WA...None. PZ...Small Craft Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 3 AM PDT Sunday for Central U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-East Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca.
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NWS SEW Office Area Forecast Discussion