After a very windy morning that took out power for about 4,000 people around the Puget Sound region, the strong wind is now moving into British Columbia. KNKX weather expert Cliff Mass says most of the blowing is done in Washington, yielding to a showery Friday with much warmer temperatures.
“Highs are coming up. After all the cold weather, it feels almost balmy outside. I expect 50 degrees in many places – even low 50s,” Mass said.
But it’s going to get wet again on Saturday, as another weather system moves in.
Rainy Saturday
“I know this is getting quite old,” Mass said of Saturday's forecast. “It will probably be dry when you wake up in the morning, but during the late morning and into the afternoon, a front will be coming in, so expect rain to start.”
Temperatures will be warmer again, compared to recent trends. Highs will be around 50, Mass says.
“But it’s definitely going to be raining," he said of Saturday afternoon and evening.
Dry Sunday
Right now, Sunday looks like the best day of the weekend, Mass says.
A ridge of high pressure will be building over the region, pushing out the showers and keeping temperatures, again, around 50.
“I expect it to be generally dry," Mass said. ”If you’ve been holding off for that outdoor activity or gardening or whatever, Sunday is the day.”
Wet Again Next Week
Sunday’s clearer weather won’t last. Mass says next week, a series of weather systems will be coming in, bringing back the normal rainy pattern for this time of year. But he says the warmer temperatures appear to be sticking around.
“We’ve definitely surged out of the colder temperatures, into the warmer for the weekend," he said.
To hear the forecast along with Cliff’s discussion of how cold this winter has been compared to historical records (hint:coldest since 1985 in many places in Western Washington), you can click on the “play” icon at the top of this post.
The weekly KNKX 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 KNKX 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 podcasts of ‘Weather with Cliff Mass’ shows, via iTunesor Google Play.
