Washington Weather Outlook: Fall Begins Tuesday, Ahead Of A Storm

SEATTLE, WA — Clouds, sun breaks and sporadic rain showers early in the week will give way to the first bonafide storm of the season by Wednesday, according to the latest forecasts. The National Weather Service says a weak system over Western Washington will begin to dissipate Monday evening, leaving many areas with a good shot at some sunshine on the first day of fall Tuesday. Within 24 hours, it's really going to feel like fall.

Forecasters are tracking a "vigorous" frontal system set to arrive Wednesday, packed with rain and propelled by the season's first gale. The highest winds are forecast in typical coastal and northern areas, with just a breeze expected in the lowlands. Rainfall totals in the Seattle area Wednesday are projected between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch.

More systems moving into the area are likely to keep rain in the region into Saturday, but it's too soon to know how much additional rain could be on tap. Temperatures look to be cooler across the region, with afternoon highs in the falling to the high 50s to mid-60s mid-week.

Winds guard against smoke's return

Good air is here to stay, thanks to westerly winds preventing new wildfire smoke from entering the region. Air quality readings cleared up across Western Washington by Saturday, providing much-needed relief after a week of unhealthy air. The continued winds, mixed with the systems on-tap in the latter half of the week, should prevent pulling in new smoke from wildfires burning in Oregon and California.