Seattle is waking up to one of its finest spring days of the year — Thursday, May 21 brings full sunshine and a high near 72°F, so get outside and make the most of it before the holiday weekend pattern shifts.
Today’s Setup
High pressure aloft is firmly in charge, with an upper-level ridge pushing in from British Columbia. The National Weather Service notes patchy river valley fog and marine stratus burning off along the coast and southwest interior this morning — by midday, expect wall-to-wall sunshine across the metro. Light north winds of 2 to 7 mph keep it comfortable all day. Check the full Seattle weather forecast for hourly details.
Best Window To Be Outside
The entire day is your window — genuinely. Burke-Gilman Trail, Discovery Park, and Seward Park will be packed by noon, so go early to beat the rush. Hikers aiming for Mt. Rainier viewpoints should head out in the morning when visibility is sharpest. Golfers and cyclists have ideal conditions from sunrise to sunset. If you need sun protection, our outdoor gear deals page has a UPF 50+ Fishing Shirt for just $6.50 — details in our buying guide.
Allergy Alert
Sunny, dry, and breezy conditions are prime pollen-spreading weather. Tree and grass pollen counts tend to spike on days like this across the Puget Sound region. Before heading out, an allergy relief nasal spray can make a real difference. Gardeners and trail runners may want a pollen count face mask for longer outdoor stretches. Indoors, keep a HEPA air purifier running to filter out what drifts in through open windows.
Events This Weekend
Tonight, The Phantom of the Opera (Touring) plays the Paramount Theatre — a perfect evening to stroll downtown before curtain. The Paper Kites also bring their If You Go There, I Hope You Find It (US/Canada Tour) to Moore Theatre tonight.
Friday, May 22, the Seattle Storm host the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena. It’s an indoor game, so no weather worries — grab Official team gear on Fanatics before tip-off and Get tickets on SeatGeek if you still need seats.
Saturday, Claypool Gold (Primus) takes the outdoor stage at Marymoor Live — conditions look dry and pleasant in the low 70s, perfect for an open-air show. The Stifel Stars on Ice also glides into Climate Pledge Arena that day. And Dethklok brings the heavy metal thunder to Moore Theatre on Sunday, May 25, as clouds begin building ahead of the week’s first rain.
Dinner & Next Few Days
A 72°F evening is made for cooking on the patio. Try pasta primavera loaded with spring vegetables, or a quick stir-fry with whatever’s freshest at the market. Fire up a portable propane grill for that outdoor feel. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Friday stays gorgeous — another sunny high near 74°F. Saturday warms into the low 70s again but low-level onshore flow begins to strengthen. The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of rain arriving Sunday night, with rain spreading across the Seattle area on Memorial Day (Monday). Plan any outdoor cookouts for Saturday or early Sunday and have a backup plan ready for the holiday itself.
