Summer's back!

by Jeff Renner

Updated yesterday at 6:52 PM

A few showers wet the pavement early today, but rebuilding high pressure shoved the jet stream to the north and out of western Washington today. The result was partly to mostly sunny skies in most areas; SEATAC hit 71 (warmer, I must admit, than I expected. The net result will be partly to mostly clear skies overnight; lows will range from the mid to upper 40's a few miles inland from the Sound to the low to mid 50's near the shoreline. Some patchy fog is possible overnight.

Thursday, the highest air pressure will be to the northeast of Washington as a trough of warm, low pressure air shoves northwest into the western part of the state. That will provide a dry, offshore flow which will also generate downslope winds; that is, winds that move down the west slopes of the Cascades. That air compresses (or squeezes), leading to additional warming near the foothills. Highs are likely to range from the mid 70's to low 80's, with the warmest temperatures along and near the foothills.

Friday, the offshore flow will likely weaken; however the warm air in the atmosphere will likely result in temperatures just as warm if not even warmer than Thursday. I expect highs in the upper 70's to mid 80's.

Saturday, a trough of low pressure will swing inland. That will shove ocean air inland, and raise the potential for at least scattered showers. Highs will remain mostly in the 60's; a condition likely to remain through Sunday. Monday, increasing clouds are likely as a new low approaches.

Jeff Renner / KING 5 Chief Meteorologist