It’s hard not to gloat about Northwest weather in a week like this one. And KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass says the glory of blue skies and warm but comfortable temperatures is set to continue for most of the coming weekend.
“We’re stuck in this pattern of near perfection of weather,” Mass joked. “We’re in the 70s and low 80s and dry conditions while the rest of the country’s in heat and humidity and thunderstorms. So we can’t complain,” he said.
Warmest On Friday
Mass, who teaches atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington says Friday will be the warmest day of the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-80s.
“Yesterday got to 81 at SeaTac, so we should beat that today,” he said on Friday. “That’s due to a ridge of high pressure over us.”
He says over the course of the weekend, that ridge will slowly slide towards the east. That will cause temperatures to peak on Friday and gradually cool over the next few days.
A Fine Day Saturday
Mass says Saturday will be a fine day, with temperatures reaching about 80 degrees.
“And then as the ridge moves through and an upper-level trough [of low pressure] approaches, I expect some low clouds to start pushing in,” Mass said. “So, we could start off with a few low clouds on Sunday, temperatures will drop back into the mid-70s, mid- to upper-70s.”
Cooler Monday, But Warming Up Again Soon
He predicts a more moderate start to next week, with temperatures staying in the mid-70s on Monday.
“And then another ridge looks like it will be popping up during the late to mid-week,” Mass says, bringing with it more of the blue skies that Seattle is famous for.
In summary, Mass says people in the northwest can look forward to a nearly perfect weekend.
“No rain at all in the forecast. Not much clouds except some low clouds in the morning maybe Sunday into Monday. And other than that, things should be great,” he said.
Meteor Shower Viewing Should Be Okay (Fingers Crossed)
Mass says some people are worried about whether they will be able to see the Perseidmeteor shower, which continues Friday night. Mass says it could be a bit disappointing.
“It may not be perfectly clear tonight. The forecast models indicate a little bit of high cloudiness coming in,” Mass cautioned. “I have a feeling it’ll still be usable. But it won’t be as good as the last few days.”
To hear the forecast along with a discussion of the big variations in water temperatures off our coast this time of year and where to go to swim comfortably without a wet suit, 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.
