SEATTLE — They joke that summer starts after the Fourth of July in Seattle, and this year that looks to be true.
After one more band of rain showers moves through Western Washington on Monday night and Tuesday morning, forecasters say clouds should give way on Wednesday in time for mostly clear skies for fireworks.
“A pattern toward warmer and drier weather looks like it’s in the cards once we get beyond the Fourth,” said Dustin Guy, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office.
Sunshine and normal high temperatures in the 70s should last through the weekend with more on the way.
“I think we’re going to be turning the corner,” Guy said Monday. “And that’s the trend through the middle of July.”
While much of the rest of country baked and wildfires flared, much of Washington had a cool, damp June — also known as “Junuary.” Washington had a few decent days, especially east of the Cascades, but most of the people on the west side kept looking at the calendar and waiting for the climate to catch up with the season.
Sea-Tac Airport recorded it fifth-wettest June with nearly 3 inches of rain. And it was the 12th-coolest on record, with an average temperature of 58 degrees.
The Monday night-Tuesday storm system will be stronger in Eastern Washington and northern Idaho, bringing the chance of thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rain and breezy winds, the Weather Service said. But that will be followed by summer heat and dry conditions into the weekend.
Wednesday, the Fourth of July, appears to be the pivot point for the season change in the Northwest, as a ridge of high pressure starts to build, diverting the storm track to the north. The day may start out cloudy in the morning, but there’s a good chance the clouds will clear out in time for the night’s fireworks, Guy said.
“The weather often takes a turn for the better, once we get past the Fourth,” he said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
