Much-needed rain returns to Western WA next week, ending dry weather streak

It was due to happen sooner or later. A change in the overall dry weather pattern is coming to an end. For those who have been waiting for rain to help clear the wildfire smoke and douse the fires, the rain is finally coming.

Why the weather pattern change?

During the week, three strong tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific have been quite active. At this time of year, these kinds of tropical cyclones, once they weaken as they drift north into the North Pacific storm track, play a role in changing the overall weather pattern that impacts the Pacific Northwest.

Earlier this week, Typhoon Ragasa ravaged Taiwan, southern China, and northern Vietnam with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Another storm developed north of the Philippines. The third, formally named Neoguri, drifted north well east of Japan and recently injected a lot of moisture into the North Pacific storm track. That moisture helped energize a Pacific weather system that will track the bulk of its rain and wind into southeast Alaska this weekend.

The tail end of that system is forecasted to bring some rain into Western Washington late Sunday into Monday. It will also open the door for additional weather systems to swing into the region through much of next week.

The weekend ahead

For this weekend, Saturday will offer morning clouds and afternoon sunshine with highs climbing into the upper 60s to mid-70s. Sunday will involve an increase in cloud cover with rain developing late. Highs will likely range from 65 to 70 degrees for much of the western interior.

Weather next week

Next week is expected to have on-and-off rain with high temperatures mainly in the 60s. Wednesday may bring a strong, developing low-pressure system well off the coast, which could produce blustery winds along the coast, in the north interior, and in the Cascade foothills. This weather system bears watching heading into early next week.

Current drought conditions

The change in the weather pattern providing periods of rain is expected to begin digging into the year’s rain deficit across the region. Currently, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is more than seven inches of rain below average, Olympia is more than 10 inches behind, and the usually wet Forks is in excess of 23 inches below for the year.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of the state remains in moderate to severe drought. The expected rain over the next week will help alleviate some of the drought conditions and wash away lingering wildfire smoke in the region. Overall though, it is going to take quite a bit more rain to fully extinguish all the fires across the state.

The weather outlook for October indicates an increased likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures and higher chances of wetter-than-average conditions. Perhaps more progress on reducing the rain deficit can continue next month.

If you’re considering winterizing your outdoor deck furniture and plants, this weekend offers the perfect opportunity, as rain is expected next week.

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