Dense Fog, Stagnant Air Lingers In Puget Sound: Forecast

SEATTLE — Seattle's latest run of gloomy winter weather is here to stay until at least mid-week, with more fog in the forecast Tuesday and Wednesday before a change in scenery. According to the latest forecasts, the Seattle area drivers expect areas of dense fog again Tuesday morning, then again on Wednesday morning and evening, with some sunshine in between. Temperatures look unlikely to budge until later in the week.

"[I]n general expect little change in the weather pattern through the short term with night/morning fog, dense in spots, attempting to lift through the afternoon for some peeks of sun for a few lucky locations," NWS Seattle wrote Monday. "Highs in the low-to-mid 40s with lows in the low 30s."

Forecasters are also keeping an eye on the air quality, with very little wind on the immediate horizon. An air stagnation advisory will remain in effect across most of Western Washington until noon on Wednesday, and ecology officials recommend households avoid unnecessary burning.

The National Weather Service said a clear shift in conditions should finally arrive by Friday, heralding the return of rain through the weekend and temperatures closer to 50 degrees.

"This will likely mark the beginning of a noticeable pattern change for the Western US, essentially one that would make for a return to [a] typical, more active winter weather pattern for the region," forecasters said. "It is likely that this front will move into [Western Washington] during the weekend, marking the first period of measurable rainfall in what'll seem like a fairly long time, given how active the season has been thus far."

The shift will also mark the return of snow to the mountain passes, many of which have gone more than two weeks without any new accumulation.

In the longer term, the latest climate outlooks suggest below-average temperatures returning to kick off February, along with above-average precipitation, which could set up the region for another bout of winter weather.