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Despite A Wet Start, Classic Northwest Sunshine Dominates Weekend Forecast

“Liquid sunshine” made an ample appearance as the Northwest weekend got off to a wet and cloudy start. But KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass promises warmer temps and clearer skies as the weekend progresses. In fact, he says we’re headed into what is usually one of the nicest times of year and he expects it won’t disappoint.

“We’re about to go into an extended dry spell,” Mass said.

Cloudy Through Saturday Morning

An upper-level trough that brought showers and thunderstorms was moving through Washington state on Friday morning, dropping up to half an inch of rain and even lightening in some parts.

But that was expected to be done by about 2 p.m., making it much drier by the second half of the day.

Mass says Saturday will be a transition day, with some clouds in the morning. “But I think by the mid-morning really it should be sunny. Temperatures should surge up into the mid-70s and Saturday should be dry,” he said.

Beautiful Weather Next Week

Mass says expect progressively warmer weather as the weekend continues.

“Sunday, upper 70s, beautiful sunny skies, just a perfect day,” he said. “And as we get into next week, there is no rain in sight, zero,” 

He says the ridge of high pressure that helps lock in blue skies will strengthen a bit and help temperatures rise. “Up to probably 80 initially, then into the mid-80s by the end of this week,” Mass said.

“So, it’s going to be just a beautiful, beautiful week,” he said.

Mass adds that this is what we expect at this time of the year. “We’re going into the driest weeks, climatologically here in the Northwest – the last week of July, first week of August,” Mass said. “So, if it’s ever going to be beautiful, this is when it should be.”

To hear the forecast along with a discussion of what is normal summer weather in the Northwest and what produces those conditions – as well as a bit about the Dust Devil that hit West Seattle last week -- you can click on the “play” icon at the top of this post.

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.