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Puget Sound Dry Spell Extends to 13 Days, Mid‑Week Showers Expected

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Dry Spell Nears Record‑Breaking Length: Seattle‑Tacoma Airport has logged 13 consecutive days without measurable rain, edging toward the 15‑day January record, while another report notes an 11‑day streak, indicating a slight timing discrepancy between sources[1][2]. The persistent high‑pressure ridge has kept conditions dry, though it is expected to weaken slightly on Sunday, allowing a weak system to increase cloud cover[1]. Regional snowpack remains under 50 % of normal, compounding water‑resource concerns[1].

Cold Advisory Enforces Sub‑Freezing Temperatures: Cold Weather Advisory runs from midnight Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday, with the National Weather Service forecasting lows between 20 °F and 25 °F across Seattle, the Eastside, Everett, and surrounding areas[2]. The advisory warns of hypothermia risk for anyone exposed outdoors in the early morning[2]. Despite the bitter mornings, daytime highs are expected to rise into the mid‑40s, providing a brief reprieve[2].

Mid‑Week Showers and Rising Snow Levels Expected: Wednesday will bring mostly cloudy skies and increasing showers, with temperatures climbing to the upper‑40s and low‑50s, while the snow level lifts to about 4,500 ft[1]. Thursday and Friday continue the wet pattern, with Friday’s highs reaching the mid‑50s and the snow level rising to roughly 5,000 ft[1]. These showers mark the first measurable precipitation after the prolonged dry spell[1].

Weekend Remains Bright, NFC Game Set for Chill: Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be sunny and dry, with daytime highs in the low‑mid‑40s and early‑morning lows staying in the low 20s[2]. The NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on Sunday will be dry and sunny at kickoff, with temperatures in the low‑mid 40s and a rapid drop into the 30s after sunset, marking the first 5 p.m. sunset of the year[1].

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Timeline

Nov 28, 2025 – A ridge of high pressure over the Gulf of Alaska builds a dry pattern across western Washington after Thanksgiving rain, delivering partly sunny skies with low‑50s highs and setting the stage for a cooler weekend and the first dry spell of the season [18].

Dec 6, 2025 – Strong winds trigger a Wind Advisory and knock out power for over 10,000 Seattle City Light customers and 7,000 PSE customers; a Winter Storm Warning brings up to 18 inches of snow to the Cascades while an atmospheric river promises 2–4 inches of rain that could raise river levels and flood risk [17].

Dec 13, 2025 – Arctic air sweeps south from Canada, plunging the Pacific Northwest into sub‑freezing temperatures and prompting warnings of mudslides and levee failures; thousands evacuate as historic flooding forces a dramatic rescue of Eddie Wicks, his wife, dog and livestock, captured on video [1][16]. Governor Bob Ferguson says, “Thousands of Washingtonians … are digging out,” while NWS meteorologist Reid Wolcott warns that “the region is not done with the weather” as more rain and wind loom [1][16].

Dec 15, 2025 – Outage crews reduce the number of customers without power to just over 14,000, down from more than 40,000 on Monday, as a second Wind Advisory looms and forecasters project up to 6 inches of additional rain that could trigger landslides on already saturated soils [15].

Dec 16, 2025 – The National Weather Service issues a High Wind Warning for western Washington, highlighting gusts of 50–60 mph along coasts and Hood Canal and warning that saturated soils increase the likelihood of falling trees and travel disruptions [14].

Dec 17, 2025 – A record 112 mph gust at Alpental Ski Area marks the strongest overnight wind, with dozens of stations reporting 50 mph+ gusts; power outages surge past 245,000 as trees and lines fall, and a High Wind Warning remains in effect through the evening [11][13].

Dec 18, 2025 – Puget Sound Energy and Snohomish PUD outline a multi‑day restoration plan after the windstorm leaves roughly 400,000 customers without power at the peak, while a lingering Wind Advisory warns of 25‑45 mph winds on still‑saturated ground [10].

Dec 24, 2025 – A Wind Advisory is canceled after the inland‑tracking storm weakens, but the region continues flood recovery; the American Red Cross notes a disaster area exceeding 123,000 sq mi and Governor Ferguson’s emergency declaration covers at least 14 counties [8][9].

Dec 31, 2025 / Jan 1, 2026 – A rare dry New Year’s Eve allows celebrations without rain, as high pressure stalls precipitation; however, a dense fog advisory and sub‑freezing lows persist, and forecasters warn that showers and light mountain snow will return on New Year’s Day, ending the brief respite [6].

Jan 8, 2026 – Snow levels plunge to about 500 ft overnight, raising the chance of wet snow at sea level and slick roads, while the Cascades receive an additional 2–4 ft of snow under a Winter Storm Warning; a High Surf Advisory warns of elevated coastal waves [5].

Jan 15, 2026 – An extended ridge keeps western Washington dry through the weekend, producing record‑tying January warmth (Sea‑Tac 58°F) and clear skies for a Seahawks game, but forecasters note the next meaningful rain won’t arrive until late next week [4].

Jan 24, 2026 – A Cold Weather Advisory blankets the Seattle metro area overnight, with temperatures expected in the low‑20s°F; officials stress hypothermia risk for anyone outdoors in the early morning hours [2].

Jan 25, 2026 – The forecast calls for a dry Sunday with increasing clouds, a slight chance of sprinkles Monday‑Tuesday, and a return of showers Wednesday‑Friday as snow levels rise to 5,000 ft; regional snowpack remains under 50 % of normal, underscoring ongoing watershed deficits, while the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field anticipates chilly, dry conditions [3].

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