Seattle weather today is sunny with a high near 81°F, calm north wind at 1 to 8 mph, and clear skies overnight dropping to a low around 56 — grab sunscreen and get outside now, because the National Weather Service says the pattern shifts by Thursday.
Today’s Setup
High pressure aloft is locked in over Western Washington today and holds through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Seattle office’s latest forecast discussion. Expect sunny skies today near 81°F, another warm one Wednesday near 82°F under mostly sunny skies, then a real change: rain becomes likely Wednesday night into early Thursday morning as an upper-level low moves onshore.
Best Window To Be Outside
With light wind and full sun both today and Wednesday, midday through early evening is prime time for Green Lake laps, a walk around Alki Beach, or an evening at Gas Works Park watching boats on Lake Union. Forecasters note some spillover high clouds from the northwest and southern Cascades this morning, but they won’t dent an otherwise clear, dry day.
Heat Risk To Know
The NWS is flagging Minor HeatRisk region-wide today and Wednesday, with Moderate HeatRisk running 50-80% along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Tacoma both afternoons. That’s enough to matter for anyone sensitive to heat — kids, older adults, or outdoor workers. Hydrate, seek shade midafternoon, and hold off on heavy yard work until evening.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light layers and eye protection work for daytime highs in the low 80s, but pack for the turn: forecasters put rain chances at 64% Wednesday night. A packable rain jacket earns its keep once showers move in, and if you’re headed to a lake day at Lake Sammamish or Green Lake while the sun lasts, a 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler is a smart pickup — check the floating lounge deal. An outdoor yoga mat is also a good grab for a sunrise session at Discovery Park before the humidity builds.
Tonight’s Events And Gameday Ahead
It’s a great weather night for outdoor shows: Hilary Duff plays Cascades Amphitheater tonight, and Bob Moses w/ Cannons hits Dune Peninsula, both under clear skies and comfortable temps. Looking ahead, Seattle Sounders FC host Portland Timbers at Lumen Field on July 17, with the Mariners also home against the San Francisco Giants that day at T-Mobile Park — good conditions for tailgating either way. Grab tickets on SeatGeek and rep the match in a Seattle Sounders FC jersey or Seattle Sounders FC scarf. For more outdoor gear ideas before game day, browse outdoor gear deals.
Next Few Days
Wednesday stays warm and dry, then rain arrives late Wednesday night into Thursday, with the NWS noting a 15-25% chance of thunder, mainly over higher terrain. High pressure is expected to rebuild by the weekend, bringing a return to dry conditions and well above normal temperatures.
With warm weather still in play tonight, a light dinner works best — pasta or a quick stir-fry keeps the kitchen cool. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.

