Fall has officially arrived and we can feel it. Temperatures have dropped. But KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass says Friday’s rain will quickly move east, making way for sunny skies this weekend.
“Precipitation will lighten up certainly by the early afternoon here on the western side,” Mass said. “So, not a warm day, but at least it will be dry the second half,” he said, predicting temperatures only reaching the lower to mid-60s. “So definitely below normal and cooler than what we’ve had before.”
An Improving Trend This Weekend
He says the weekend will steadily improve, with the best day for outdoor pursuits coming on Sunday. On Saturday, “a weak trough [of low pressure] will come into the region,” but Mass expects it to be mostly dry and warmer.
“So, I expect some clouds in the morning, maybe some partly cloudy skies during the afternoon, temperatures rising up to 65-67 – something like that in the lowlands - but very little precipitation, virtually none.”
Sunny Sunday + Nice Into Next Week
On Sunday, it will get even warmer as a ridge of high pressure develops over the region.
“Temperatures will climb probably up into the upper 60s, maybe 70 in some places and lots of sun,” Mass said. “So definitely Sunday is the best day. “ He says that “ridging situation” will stick around, delivering nice weather for a few more days. “So, the early part of next week looks pretty good,” Mass said.
Smoke Has Cleared
Mass also notes a radical improvement in air quality in the northwest, with almost no sign of smoke from wildfires in our skies now.
“Compared to a month ago, we are in a hugely better place with respect to smoke,” Mass said. He attributes the change to the cooling temperatures and recent rains that have allowed most of the state’s fires to decline or go out completely.
“So, with control of the fires, there’s a lot less smoke and also the atmosphere has changed its circulation, where it’s much more flow coming in off the Pacific and that’s blowing whatever smoke there is away from us,” he said. Those two factors have combined to deliver clearer air almost everywhere in Washington, Mass says.
“Most of the air quality sensor sites around the state show good air quality, which is so different than one month ago.”
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.
