More Rain In Washington, And A Chance For Thunderstorms Thursday

SEATTLE, WA — The rain is here to stay in Western Washington, with more showers and potential thunderstorms on tap Thursday, ahead of another system moving into the region Friday.

The first fall day ushered in the first storm of the season Wednesday, as an atmospheric river brought widespread rain to Puget Sound. Scattered showers are forecast for most on Thursday, along with an increased likelihood of isolated thunderstorms across Western Washington.

According to the National Weather Service, the best chance for thunderstorms will be Thursday afternoon and evening.

On Friday, another system is poised to bring strong winds into the region, and widespread rain continuing through the weekend. In the Seattle area, sustained wind speeds up to 25 mph are possible, with gusts as high as 40 mph. By Sunday morning, Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia could log another 2 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches possible along the coast.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a small chance of "significant urban and small stream flooding" Thursday due to continued rainfall. Excess precipitation could lead to some limited river flooding, but forecasters believe chances are low for most.

In the long-term, the forecast shows rain tapering off Sunday, setting up the return of sunny, dry weather and temperatures in the mid-70s by Tuesday or Wednesday.