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Sunshine Will Break Through Northwest Clouds For At Least One Day This Weekend

Tim Durkan
/
Tim Durkan Photography
A 'moody broody sunset' in Seattle on Oct 10, 2017.

If the cool and cloudy weather that’s been dominating in the Puget Sound region this week has got you down, hang in there. KNKX weather expert Cliff Mass says the weekend forecast is “improving” and there will be a fair amount of sun poking through, especially on Sunday.

Friday: Cloudy And Cool

Friday morning, a Puget Sound convergence zone formed between Seattle and Everett and made its way toward north Seattle, bringing precipitation and clouds with it.

Mass expected its influence to keep skies partly cloudy Friday, with remnant showers in north Puget sound areas and in the mountains. Temperatures will only get into the upper 50s.

“So, on the cool side from what we’re used to,” he said.

But, after that, he says the weekend forecast will be “an improving one.”

Saturday: Skies Opening Up

Expect some showers Saturday morning, probably on the early side, Mass says. Then look for skies to open up, especially from Seattle southward.  

He says that’s due to a weak front moving in north of Seattle on Saturday afternoon and evening.

“So if you’re up in Everett, it could be cloudy, could be a few sprinkles, but it will get better by the time you get to Seattle,” Mass said. “And if you went south – say to Portland – it’ll actually be a really nice day.”

Sunday: High Pressure And Sunshine

He says the big improvement comes on Sunday, when a ridge of high pressure will build in.

“We’ll have partly sunny skies, temperatures getting up into the lower to mid-60s,” Mass said. “So, Sunday’s the day.”

He says Monday should also be quite good. And then another Pacific frontal system will come through on Tuesday, bringing rain back to most of the region.

To hear the full conversation, including a discussion of what caused the massive wildfires in northern California this week and Ciff’s ideas about how to prevent similar events in the future, 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, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to podcasts of Weather with Cliff Mass shows, via iTunes or Google Play.

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.