textproduct: Seattle/Tacoma

SYNOPSIS

Strong high pressure continues to remain over the region this week, maintaining unseasonably warm and dry conditions across western Washington. Expect a return to cooler and wet conditions this weekend, with snow levels falling to around 3000 to 4000 ft for the start of next week.

SHORT TERM /TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Strong high pressure remains in control for more dry and mild weather. The main difference today is an increase is lowland fog, mainly in the interior, with visibilities down to 1/4 mile or less in spots - a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect. Otherwise, expect sunny conditions this afternoon with highs around 60. Will likely see similar conditions on Friday. Rain returns on Saturday as the ridge exits east and a front moves in from the west. 33

LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/

Western WA remains under moist southwest flow early next week for more lowland rain and mountain snow. Snow levels will lover to around 3000 ft Sunday night and Monday with accumulating snow expected in the mountains and passes. Heavy precipitation in the SW Olympics will keep the Skokomish River running high and close to minor flood stage. An upper low keeps the air mass cool and showery moving toward midweek. 33

AVIATION

Southwest flow aloft becoming more southerly tonight as an upper- ridge continues. Clearing mid-high level moisture has allowed widespread LIFR fog to develop. This will persist into the morning before VFR conditions return by 20-22z. Fog may struggle to lift out of the Chehalis River Valley today - impacting terminals such as KOLM as a result. Winds through the forecast will remain light and variable between the NE/SE less than 5 kt, increasing to 4-8 kt during the day today. Fog again possible overnight into Friday morning.

KSEA...LIFR conditions with fog and/or low clouds and periods of surface visibility below 1SM have developed and are favored to persist through 18-21z this morning. VFR is expected again thereafter. Surface winds N/NE 7 to 10 knots today becoming more SE overnight into Friday morning.

MARINE

Increasing offshore flow today as a surface high over the interior interacts with broad low pressure offshore. SCA gusts are possible over the Northern Inner coastal waters as easterlies traverse through the West Entrance of Strait of Juan de Fuca. SCA seas persist for the coastal waters - likely into the weekend. A series of frontal systems will begin to reach the waters this weekend into early next week.

A Dense fog advisory has also been issued this morning for the inland water zones of Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, and Northern Inland.

HYDROLOGY

Heavier precipitation over the weekend and early next week will force rises on the Skokomish River in Mason County with the river close to minor flood stage. Flooding is not expected elsewhere over the next 7 days.

SEW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

WA...Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM PST this morning for City of Seattle-Downtown Everett / Marysville Area-Eastern Kitsap County-Eastside-Island County-Lowlands of Lewis and Southern Thurston Counties-Lowlands of Pierce and Southern King Counties-Lowlands of Western Skagit and Northwestern Snohomish Counties-Lowlands of Western Whatcom County-Northern Hood Canal-Olympia and Southern Puget Sound-Port Townsend Area-San Juan County-Shoreline / Lynnwood / South Everett Area-Southern Hood Canal.

PZ...Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM PST this afternoon for Grays Harbor Bar.

Dense Fog Advisory until 10 AM PST this morning for Admiralty Inlet-Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands-Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM PST Friday for Coastal Waters From Cape Flattery To James Island 10 To 60 Nm-Coastal Waters From Cape Flattery To James Island Out 10 Nm- Coastal Waters From James Island To Point Grenville 10 To 60 Nm-Coastal Waters From James Island To Point Grenville Out 10 Nm-Coastal Waters From Point Grenville To Cape Shoalwater 10 To 60 Nm-Coastal Waters From Point Grenville To Cape Shoalwater Out 10 Nm.