Thanksgiving Forecast: Widespread Rain Returns To Puget Sound

SEATTLE — Western Washington is in for a wet and blustery Thanksgiving Day, as the first in a series of atmospheric rivers sets up for a holiday rinsing.

Fortunately, forecasters do not expect impacts to be as severe as the last round of weather, which brought devastating flooding to several communities in Northwest Washington. However, back-to-back systems due over the next few days could complicate the situation, and the National Weather Service is closely monitoring the potential for new flooding along some area rivers.

Here is a timeline for the three storm systems headed our way:

The latest forecasts show the heaviest rain peaking Thanksgiving afternoon and evening, with up to an inch possible around Seattle and Tacoma by Friday afternoon. For drivers headed over the pass, there is some good news. Warmer temperatures will push snow levels up to between 6,000 and 8,000 feet Thursday. However, travelers will still have to contend with heavy rain.

The strongest precipitation is forecast along the coast, across the Olympics and the Cascades, with river flooding most likely for the Skokomish River in Mason County, where a flood watch is in effect, and rivers north of King County.

Gusty conditions could also create a few problems over Thanksgiving, including power outages and trees down on roadways. Maximum wind speeds are forecast at 25 mph around Seattle and higher on the coast and the Olympic Peninsula.

After a run of especially crisp nights and mornings, overnight temperatures will rebound out of the 30s and into the mid-to-high 40s, with afternoon highs stuck around the mid-50s.

Friday looks to be a little less rainy ahead of the second wet weather system due to arrive Saturday and last into Sunday. Monday is forecast to be relatively dry before a third, potentially stronger system moves into the region Tuesday.

The National Weather Service said early indications show the latter storm may stick around longer and may lend itself to more widespread flooding concerns due to the cumulative effects of all three systems.

More details on the expectations for the third storm will be shared in the coming days.