Wednesday may begin with a breeze, increasing clouds and a stray shower before rain becomes more widespread.
A fall-like storm is expected to bring gusty winds and rain to western Washington on Wednesday before conditions gradually ease heading into the Labor Day weekend.
KOMO News Meteorologist George Waldenberger said an upper-level low-pressure system spinning over the Gulf of Alaska will move toward Washington and Oregon, strengthening winds as it and its associated front approach.
Wednesday may begin with a breeze, increasing clouds and a stray shower before rain becomes more widespread.
Rain is expected to reach the coast in the morning and spread inland toward Seattle by midday and afternoon. Pockets of heavier rain are possible later in the day as winds increase.
Wind advisories issued for coast, islands
The strongest winds are expected along the coast, in the San Juan Islands and in Island County, where gusts could briefly reach 35 to 40 mph. Wind advisories are in effect Wednesday for the Grays Harbor County coast, North Washington coast, San Juan Islands and Island County.
Seattle is expected to be breezy, though winds are not expected to be as strong as those along the coast and islands.
Waldenberger said residents should secure outdoor objects and make sure boats are properly secured. Trees still have their full summer foliage, giving winds more surface area to push against. A few tree limbs could come down, and isolated power outages are possible.
Showers, possible thunderstorm Thursday
Winds are expected to diminish Wednesday night into Thursday, but showers will likely continue Thursday as the upper-level low slowly moves through the region. An isolated thunderstorm is also possible.
By Friday, the biggest impacts are expected to be over, though a few lingering showers remain possible.
Labor Day weekend forecast remains unsettled
The Labor Day weekend forecast remains unsettled. Saturday has a chance of rain, especially early in the day, while Sunday is expected to be somewhat drier. Rain chances could return on Labor Day, with passing showers possible around weekend plans, particularly near the mountains and coast.
Snow levels in the mountains could fall below 7,000 feet Wednesday and Thursday, potentially bringing early-season snow to the highest local ski areas and Cascade peaks.
Rain could help, but not end, wildfire concerns
Meaningful rainfall could temporarily slow wildfire growth and reduce smoke from some fires in Central and Eastern Washington, Waldenberger said. Rainfall amounts farther into the Columbia Basin are expected to be lower and more hit-or-miss.
The rain will not eliminate fire concerns, however. Gusty winds can accelerate existing fires, and any thunderstorms could produce lightning capable of starting new ones.
