Seattle residents can expect gloomy, rainy weather with occasional downpours through at least Sunday. Temperatures will remain close to seasonal normals. The irony is that this period coincides with the first 6 p.m. sunset of the year, when daylight begins to lengthen, yet the sun is largely obscured by clouds. Forecasters say these precipitation amounts aren’t record-breaking, but they are steady.
There is, however, an important upside to the gray outlook: rain in the lowlands means much-needed snow in the Cascade Mountains. Current snowpack is only about 30–40% of the typical level for this time of year. The first weather systems have already brought a few centimeters of snow to the Snoqualmie and Stevens passes, which is a promising start.
The main and heavier snowfalls are expected from Sunday into Monday. Forecasts call for up to 30 centimeters of snow in the high-elevation areas from Snoqualmie Pass to Mount Baker. Areas closer to Mount Rainier could see 10–15 centimeters. Forecasters say the particularly encouraging sign is that snowy conditions in the mountains will likely continue into next week, helping to replenish the snowpack deficit.
Based on: Seattle weather: first 6 p.m. sunset, lowland rains, snow in mountains