Fall got off to a glorious start in most of western Washington, with the first week offering consistently clear blue skies and mild temps in most places, most days.
That pattern continued Friday morning, with the promise of more clear weather through Saturday.
Perfect Friday
“Today is a perfect day,” said KNKX weather expert Cliff Mass of Friday, predicting temperatures in the low 70s and blue skies all around.
He acknowledged there was some morning fog or low clouds in places -- for example, around Snoqualmie Valley and some other inland areas. But he said that would burn off.
“So it’s just going to be glorious,” Mass said.
Clear Skies Saturday Too
He says expect another really nice day on Saturday.
“It’ll be generally sunny. There will be a little bit of high clouds coming in during the afternoon, which will thicken in during the evening. But temperatures will get up to around 70. And no precipitation during the day,” Mass said. He urged people to take advantage of it while it lasts.
“It’s going to be another spectacular day. Get out hiking or whatever you want to do on Saturday.”
Showery Sunday And Into Next Week
He says Saturday night getting into Sunday, an upper level disturbance will come through, bringing with it a change in the weather. Clouds will move in, with a high chance of showers.
“So, a good 50-60 percent chance of showers on Sunday morning into Sunday, temperatures dropping back into the 60s,” Mass said.
“And then I’m afraid, Monday and Tuesday, a series of weak disturbances, weak fronts coming in, so there’ll be some showers on and off. And temperatures only in the low to mid-60s,” Mass said. “So, definitely a step down.”
But he says it looks like things will start to improve around the middle of next week.
“The models are pretty insistent that as we get into later in the week, a ridge of high pressure will build,” he said. “So, next weekend could be very, very nice as well.”
Mass says it’s a mixed bag, but there’s plenty to look forward to.
“A little bit of rain on Sunday, but before then, we have spectacular weather.” He said.
To hear the full conversation, including Cliff’s description of some of the unique characteristics of the fall atmosphere in the Pacific Northwest, you can click on the 'play' icon at the top of this post.
Weather with Cliff Mass airs at 9:02 a.m. Friday, right after BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington professor of atmospheric sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, anda popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to podcasts of Weather with Cliff Mass shows, viaiTunes or Google Play
