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Mass: Typical Seattle Summer Weather to Make Glorious Return

Hang in there—the feel of Seattle's great summers is coming back this weekend.  

The autumn-like weather we’ve been having this week will yield to more typical summer fare, with blue skies in the afternoons and temperatures in the 70s, says KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass.

He says if you want that kind of weather right away, head for eastern Washington, where he’s predicting open skies, sunshine, and temps in the lower 80s on Saturday. Expect a similar scenario in western Washington on Sunday.

“Sunday should be the best day,” says Mass, who teaches atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington. “This weak upper trough moves through. And the rain should stop, I might expect to see some clouds in the morning, and then it should open up in the afternoon. And temperatures should get up into the mid-70s."

He says Saturday, there will still be lots of clouds and a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain in the Puget Sound region and into the mountains. As a weak trough moves in, “that should rev up the clouds a bit” and bring with it temps in the upper 60s or very low 70s.

But he says Sunday’s trends will stick around through Wednesday of next week, with dry weather and a chance of morning clouds and temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s.

More Muggy Days Ahead?

Mass says the humidity today will be similar to yesterday, but relief is in sight.

“Dew points have been amazingly high. We’re talking about dew points in the lower 60s, even mid-60s,” Mass said, adding that around here, dew points are typically in mid-40s to mid-50s at the highest.

When they get into the 60s, it feels sticky “East-Coast like,” says Mass, but that trend will end over the weekend.

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The weekly KPLU feature "Weather with Cliff Mass" airs every Friday at 9 a.m. immediately following BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KPLU Environment Reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to a podcast of “Weather with Cliff Mass”shows.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.