Rain Returns To The Forecast Through The Weekend

SEATTLE, WA — After a reprieve that lasted several days, rainy weather settled in Western Washington Thursday and is expected to linger in the region through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The first in a series of weather fronts moved inland Thursday, bringing lowland showers and a few downpours ahead of a stronger, wetter system expected in Puget Sound on Saturday.

Afternoon highs are forecast in the mid-to-high 40s through Presidents' Day.

NWS Seattle said scattered showers were expected into Friday morning, followed by a brief break, before a second system approaches Friday evening.

The shifting weather will also include breezy conditions for most and gusty winds, between 30 and 40 mph, along the coast and the North Interior.

In the Cascades, forecasters said new snow accumulations in Snoqualmie and Stevens passes were projected between 8 and 12 inches through Friday morning, with up to 18 inches possible in Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier National Park remains closed after last week's heavy rain spurred landslides and damaged roads inside and outside park boundaries.

The National Weather Service said drier, quieter weather is expected to return early next week.