Gale Warning 32, NWS Seattle, WA

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Seattle WA
137 PM PDT Tue May 19 2020

.SYNOPSIS...Mostly dry weather through Wednesday afternoon before
shower chances return into early Friday. A brief break in the
action is then expected into Saturday with periodic chances for
showers for the end of the weekend into next week.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...Stubborn stratus is holding
on this afternoon although some indications of a bit of clearing
happening over the last hour or two. Expect to see some additional
sunbreaks into the evening but likely won't be widespread sunshine.
Temperatures currently in the upper 50s to low 60s will add a few
degrees this afternoon, especially where sun comes out. Dry
weather across the area this afternoon outside of a shower or two
popping up near the Cascades.

Another marine push expected tonight so any cloud breaks will
fill back in overnight. While much of Wednesday morning may be
dry, showers will reappear by Wednesday afternoon/evening as weak
shortwave moves across. This will quickly be followed by another
wave on Thursday so periodic showers are possible across the
entire area into early Friday. By Thursday, high temperatures will
struggle to make it out of the 50s with snow levels dropping to
around 4,000 feet. Not expecting much in the way of impact to
cross-Cascade traffic but wouldn't be surprised to see a bit of
snow falling from the sky in heavier showers.

Trough departs to the east during the day on Friday with showers
lingering over the mountains. Temperatures will warm a few degrees
with most lowland locations topping out near the 60 degree mark.

CEO

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...Ridging will briefly build
in for Friday night into Saturday with dry weather returning to
the area. Not so optimistic about the chances for a full day of
sunshine but temperatures should warm back into the low to mid
60s. Break in the action will be short-lived as another trough
moves through for Sunday into Monday with another round of
showers. This wave may feature a bit more widespread precipitation
but nothing much to write home about. Troughing lingers on Tuesday
though precipitation becomes more showery and eventually tapers
off.

For you sunshine and warm temperatures lovers, some good news
might be in sight by mid to late next week. Ensembles are hinting
toward at least a few days of high pressure with dry weather and
temperatures back into the 70s. So far there's good agreement in
that so stay tuned!

CEO

&&

.AVIATION...Marine layer clouds will be stubborn through Wednesday
and onshore flow will increase on Wed. The exception to the clouds
today has been in the central/eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca and the
San Juans where it was sunny. With stronger westerlies tonight and
especially later Wed that area too should be in marine layer clouds.
A new upper low will shift over the area later Wed through Thursday.

KSEA...Cigs lifted into the afternoon and will lower again
overnight. We might see some drizzle or light rain develop as very
weak front gives some lift to the marine air later on Wed.

&&

.MARINE...High pressure offshore and lower pressure inland will
produce onshore flow this week. Small craft advisory strength west
winds will be the rule most of the time for the Strait of Juan de
Fuca--although gradients are likely to be stronger Wed evening and a
gale watch is up for that.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...The daily hydrology discussion has ended until the
start of the next rainy season; it will only be updated as needed
until then.

&&

.SEW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WA...None.
PZ...Gale Watch from Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night
     for Central U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-East
     Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca.

     Small Craft Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM PDT
     Wednesday for Central U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-
     East Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca.

&&

www.weather.gov/seattle