Rain Today, Then a Wet Tuesday Ahead—Here’s Your Seattle Game Plan

Today’s bottom line: We’re looking at a 48% chance of light rain this afternoon and evening, with temperatures hovering around 53°F. Nothing too dramatic—just typical spring drizzle. If you’re heading out, you might not even need your rain jacket, but I’d keep one handy just in case. Tonight stays mostly cloudy with a similar 50% rain chance and lows near 44°F.

Here’s where things get interesting: Tuesday is the day to watch. A significant weather system is moving in, and we’re expecting steady, meaningful rain—not just showers. The National Weather Service is calling for a 100% chance of precipitation, with a quarter to half-inch of new rainfall possible. Highs will only reach 48°F, and here’s the kicker: winds will gust between 25-40 mph, with isolated gusts potentially reaching 45 mph. With all the fresh spring foliage on our trees, there’s a real possibility of branch damage in those windier gusts.

What this means for your week:

Today & Tonight: If you had outdoor plans—golfing, yard work, or grilling—you can probably squeeze them in, but keep an eye on the sky. A waterproof jacket and sturdy boots will serve you well if you’re out and about.

Tuesday: This is a stay-inside or work-from-home kind of day if you can swing it. The rain will be steady and the wind will be noticeable. If you must commute, allow extra time and watch for debris on roads. Keep an umbrella in your car—a quality one that can handle some wind is worth its weight in gold on days like this.

Tuesday Night into Wednesday: Rain continues through the night with those gusty winds still in play. By Wednesday, conditions will start to improve, though some light rain may linger into the afternoon.

The bright side: By Thursday, we’re looking at drier weather moving in, and it should stay relatively pleasant through the weekend. No atmospheric river here—just a solid spring system that’s pretty typical for April in the Pacific Northwest.

Gear recommendation: If you don’t have a sturdy rain jacket and waterproof boots in your rotation, Tuesday is a good reminder to grab a pair. They’re not just for hikers; they’re essential for anyone navigating a Seattle spring. An umbrella rated for windy conditions is also clutch.

Bottom line: Don’t cancel your plans for today, but definitely prepare for Tuesday. This system will move through, and we’ll be back to more pleasant conditions by week’s end.

Stay dry out there, neighbors!