Sunshine to kick off summer: Memorial Day weekend could be one of the driest yet

The Memorial Day weekend is almost here. Some call it the official “start” of summer. Many people head out of town for the holiday weekend, while others stay home and participate in outdoor activities like ball games, hikes, and more.

There is a tendency to feel it always rains during this three-day holiday weekend. We all remember those soggy camping trips or when our outdoor activities got wet. So I looked at all the Memorial Day Weekends this century, going back to 2001, to learn if that was the case.

More rain or sun historically during Memorial Day weekend

For the 23-year period, there were 10 entirely dry holiday weekends and 13 that had at least some rain in the Puget Sound area. The wettest year? That was 2010 when it rained all three days, with many places getting close to a total of half an inch of rain that holiday weekend. That’s the wet Memorial Day Weekend we tend to remember.

Yet in contrast, the 2017 Memorial Day weekend had high temperatures climb well into the 80s under plenty of sunshine.

Last year was one of those cool and wet weekends with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees and some rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. The average high temperature during the last weekend of May is in the mid and upper 60s.

Thanks to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, western Washington tends to be temperate in late May. The typical Memorial Day weekend often has a “morning clouds, afternoon clearing” routine. Those morning clouds just might squeeze out a little bit of rain. Half of those 23 years this century had such a weather pattern.

What does this Memorial Day weekend weather look like for western Washington? It will offer plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures as higher pressure aloft takes up residence over the region and keeps incoming Pacific weather systems at bay. Highs are expected to rise into the 70s, with shoreline areas in the 60s, including the outer coast such as Ocean Shores and Long Beach.

Cascades will see mix of sun and clouds

If heading into the Cascades or Olympics for the weekend, expect a mix of sun and clouds with the freezing level hovering around 10,000 feet. Monday has a small possibility of a light shower. Overall though, it will be pleasant conditions for camping and hiking.

East of the Cascades weather will also offer warm sunshine through the holiday weekend. High temperatures each day will climb into the 70s and 80s, the warmest in the central basin, including the Tri-Cities.

Wherever you go this holiday weekend, whether a staycation or elsewhere, have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend. And on Memorial Day, remember those who paid the ultimate price for our country.

Ted Buehner is the KIRO Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on X and Bluesky. Read more of his stories here.