As we kick off the first weekend of October, the weather has been nothing short of spectacular in various parts of Washington state. From Coupeville to Shelton and Kirkland, residents have been treated to partly to mostly sunny skies, making it the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of fall outdoors. With temperatures hovering around the mid-60s, it’s been a typical autumn day in the Pacific Northwest.
Despite a weak autumn disturbance passing through the region, most of the storm activity has stayed north of us, giving way to a few sprinkles near Lake Crescent and Lopez Island. However, areas like Clark and Cowlitz Counties have experienced warmer temperatures in the 70s, thanks to the warm October sunshine.
As night falls, the skies are expected to remain partly to mostly clear, creating an ideal setting for a potential sighting of the aurora borealis. With heightened solar storm activity in recent days, the interaction of a coronal mass ejection with our atmosphere could result in a stunning display of the Northern Lights. The best viewing time is usually around midnight, away from city lights, and looking northwards to witness the mesmerizing hues of green and purple.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the weather forecast remains promising, with temperatures climbing back into the upper 60s across Mason, Kitsap, and King Counties. Whether you’re planning to attend Salmon Days in Issaquah or Oktoberfest in Puyallup, the weather will be ideal for outdoor activities.
Monday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures reaching around 70 degrees near the urban core. However, a fall disturbance is on the horizon, bringing a chance of rain to the region on Tuesday. Lingering showers and sunbreaks are anticipated for Wednesday and Thursday, with clearer skies returning by Friday.
Overall, October is shaping up to be a lovely month in Washington state, with a mix of sunshine, rain, and potentially even a spectacular display of the Northern Lights. So, make the most of the beautiful weather while it lasts and enjoy the fall festivities happening around the region.
Wishing you a great night and a wonderful weekend ahead!
Meteorologist Shannon O’Donnell
The KOMO 4 Forecast Team
Updated Saturday Night
