Chance For Rain, Cooler Start To The Week: Puget Sound Forecast

SEATTLE — With wildfire smoke in the rearview mirror, for now, Western Washington is in for some welcome relief over the next two days, with temperatures cooling and a chance for some rain.

Average temperatures over the first two weeks of August were unusally warm, but forecasters expect the back end of the month will start off on a milder note, thanks to the return of some onshore flow. Afternoon highs are expected to top out around the mid-70s Monday and Tuesday, with a few scattered showers possible through Tuesday morning.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect a front will move inland Monday evening, bringing along the potential for a convergence zone to set up shop along the Snohomish and King County line. Another slight chance for rain is in the cards Tuesday morning before the clouds clear out and sunny days return, heralding warmer days through the end of the week.

Sunday cleared out the lingering haze, and forecasters expect westerly winds will keep the smoke away until at least mid-week. By Wednesday or Thursday, forecasters expect a northerly flow to return, which may filter some haze back into Puget Sound.

"It's possible that we may see some wildfire smoke aloft from fires in B.C.," NWS Seattle wrote Sunday. "Tough to say if any smoke will mix down to the surface and impact air quality, but we'll lean toward our air quality partners for further guidance."

Right now, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is confident in good air through at least Tuesday, and more updates will be shared by mid-week.