FXUS66 KSEW 090342 AFDSEW Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Seattle WA 842 PM PDT Wed Jul 8 2026 .UPDATE...No changes made in this evening's update. The marine layer has long since scoured out - leaving mostly wispy mid to high level clouds along with a nice sunset. For tonight, areas of marine stratus and possible localized fog are slated to develop. Min temps are forecast to range between the mid 40s to mid 50s. The previous discussion remains below along with an updated aviation section. && .SYNOPSIS... Onshore flow will persist through the week, keeping western Washington cooler with mixes of clouds and sun, as well as slight chances of showers over portions of the Olympics and Cascades. High pressure will build under a ridge early next week, with high temperatures climbing back into the low 80s for portions of the interior. && .SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/... A pretty persistent onshore pattern continues across western WA. A weak front/trough continues to move east of the region, with cloud coverage holding on in the interior on satellite this afternoon. The cloud coverage is dissipating on the coast/north interior, with some cloud breaks delayed to late afternoon/evening. Temperatures will stay cool with highs in the 60s to low to mid 70s, with lows in the 50s through much of the short term as the onshore pattern continues. Thursday in this period appears the best day to see sunshine in the afternoon, as the onshore gradient weakens some. The overall pattern is dry, but with some forced mountain ascent with limited (but sufficient moisture), a couple showers in the Olympics and Cascades can't be ruled out this afternoon, and Friday. && .LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... Onshore pattern will continue Saturday with a trough beginning to dip south into the Pacific, and moving onshore Sunday. Once again, a few showers will be possible Saturday and Sunday for portions of the mountains as a front drives through under the trough. Cloud coverage largely holds on through late Sunday, as the trough moves inland. Ensembles show a brief ridge building in between troughs on Monday and Tuesday. There is some disagreement as to how sharp (or broad) the trough offshore will be (which may lead to some tweaks into the next week forecast as the models get closer) but a brief warmup on Monday and Tuesday appears likely. Highs these days will climb back into the low 80s across most of the central/south interior, but there is only a 10-30% chance of Moderate (Orange) HeatRisk. Cooling off on Wednesday remains a question as to how quickly the next trough offshore moves inland. HPR && .AVIATION... Low stratus has cleared most of the regional air terminals this afternoon though some lingering scattered clouds between 4-6kft AGL persist across the central Puget sound vicinity. Otherwise...expecting return of coastal stratus late tonight and a 15-25% chance of some marginal MVFR ceilings reaching inland to Seattle by daybreak. Anticipating more rapid clearing on Thursday with VFR conditions for most TAF sites by late morning. Breezy conditions early this evening near the coast and Strait of Juan De Fuca will impact KCLM, KHQM, and KBFI through sunset before diminishing with lighter winds expected Thursday. KSEA...Improving sky conditions have developed near SEATAC this afternoon though scattered clouds with bases between 4-6kft AGL persist. An increase in cloud cover is expected tonight with a 15- 25% chance of marginal MVFR ceilings by daybreak. Overall however, ceilings and overall sky conditions are expected to be better than last night, with decreasing clouds and VFR conditions expected to return by late morning Thursday. Winds will be light through the period, favoring south and southwest directions by early Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon. && .MARINE... Onshore flow will prevail through the remainder of the week and weekend. Highest wind/waves will be found through the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the afternoon and evening hours. Gales or Small Craft Advisory westerly winds are expected through the strait each day. 33/AH && .FIRE WEATHER... The current onshore pattern will continue through next weekend, which will lead to continued periods of excellent moisture recoveries (RH values) next few mornings. A ridge and high pressure pattern appear likely to briefly build into the region Monday and Tuesday next week. While the onshore pattern will largely remain in place with light winds, warmer daytime temperatures and clear skies will likely lead to RH values dipping into the 30s and 20s, with the lowest values in the south interior and Cascades. This will allow dry fine fuels to continue to dry, and so piles of dead fuels, or dry grass/shrub areas may become susceptible to fire starts Monday and Tuesday with elevated fire weather conditions. HPR && .SEW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WA...None. PZ...Gale Warning until 5 AM PDT Thursday for Central U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-East Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca. && $$