Seattle wakes up Thursday with partly sunny skies and a high near 61°F — but the National Weather Service is calling for a 40% chance of rain after 2 PM PT, so plan outdoor activities for the morning hours and carry a layer for the afternoon.
Today’s Setup
After Tuesday’s remarkable 82°F, Seattle has snapped back hard. Wednesday dropped to around 58°F — a 24-degree plunge the National Weather Service says has occurred only twice in 82 years of Seattle records. Thursday continues the cool stretch: partly sunny through midday, then increasing clouds as a Pacific system pushes in from offshore. Temperatures will actually fall from near 61°F at midday to around 58°F by late afternoon. SSW winds at 7 to 13 mph will be noticeable along Puget Sound and Elliott Bay.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning through early afternoon is your sweet spot. Walk the waterfront at Myrtle Edwards Park, hit the Burke-Gilman Trail, or grab coffee on Capitol Hill while skies are still cooperative. The National Weather Service notes the convergence zone that’s been parked over Snohomish County is dissipating through midday, so north-end neighborhoods like Shoreline and Kenmore should see gradual clearing before the afternoon clouds roll back in.
Rain & Wind Watch
Thursday’s SSW winds won’t cause major problems, but they’re enough to catch loose items on decks and patios off guard. Secure outdoor furniture before you leave for work — a pop-up canopy tent with weights and outdoor furniture covers will protect your setup heading into a wetter weekend. If you’re commuting by bike along the Eastlake corridor after 2 PM, slip rain pants waterproof into your bag before heading out.
Allergy note: With systems cycling through and pollen season in full swing, tree counts stay elevated. Upgrading to a washable HVAC air filter MERV 13 can noticeably improve indoor air quality if sneezing has been your Thursday soundtrack.
Events Tonight: Carlos Vives & More
Skip the evening drizzle and head indoors. The Carlos Vives - Tour Al Sol brings tropical energy to WAMU Theater tonight — a welcome antidote to the gray. Grab a Carlos Vives t-shirt to make it a full night out. Gary Owen’s No Hard Feelings Tour is also playing at Moore Theatre, and Phantom of the Opera continues its run at Paramount Theatre. Find tickets on StubHub or Get tickets on SeatGeek before they sell out.
Mariners Series This Weekend
The Seattle Mariners host the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park starting Friday, May 15 — and the forecast is not great for baseball fans. Friday brings a 70% chance of rain, with possible thunderstorms between 2 and 5 PM PT. Check game status before heading to SoDo. Saturday looks cooler but potentially drier. Rep your crew with a Seattle Mariners jersey and a Seattle Mariners fitted cap. Get tickets on SeatGeek for any game in the series.
Dinner Tonight
A cool, cloudy Seattle evening calls for something comforting — pasta or a quick stir-fry is the move tonight. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door in time for dinner.
Next Few Days
Friday is the roughest day in the stretch: high near 55°F, 70% chance of precipitation, and a chance of thunderstorms between 2 and 5 PM PT according to the National Weather Service. Saturday stays unseasonably cool as another upper-level trough sits over Western Washington. Relief arrives Sunday as an offshore ridge builds in, with genuinely warmer weather expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. Check the full Seattle weather forecast for updates, and browse outdoor gear deals if the rainy stretch has you prepping for the next sunny window.
