You’re sitting there in the stands at Lumen Field, and suddenly that mist starts rolling in off the Sound. If you've been to a game in Seattle, you know the drill. It isn't always the "downpour" people in other cities imagine. Honestly, it's usually just that weird, persistent drizzle that somehow soaks through "waterproof" gear in twenty minutes flat.
But for the big Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday, January 17, 2026, things are looking... weirdly perfect.
The Forecast Nobody Expected
Most of the time, January in Seattle is basically a swamp. We're talking 45 degrees and grey until April. But for this game? The weather at Seahawks game is actually shaping up to be pristine. We're looking at clear skies and a high of 50°F. By kickoff at 5:15 PM local time, it'll likely dip into the mid-40s, but that’s practically a heatwave for playoff football in the Pacific Northwest.
Wind? Barely there. We're seeing sustained breezes around 5 mph coming from the north.
It's kinda funny because usually, we're talking about "Hawks Weather"—that messy, windy, rainy chaos that makes kickers lose their minds and footballs feel like wet bars of soap. Not this time. The 49ers are coming up from California, and they aren't even getting the "advantage" of a sloppy field to slow down the Seahawks' speed.
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Why This Forecast Matters for Your Strategy
When the weather is this clear, the game changes. Usually, when it's dumping rain at Lumen Field, the Seahawks have to rely heavily on the ground game. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet usually spend those games just trying to find footing. But with 0% chance of precipitation, the track is going to be fast.
Klint Kubiak’s offense can actually open up. You’ve seen how the ball flies when it's dry—Geno Smith can push it downfield without worrying about the wind catching it and tossing it into the stands.
The Kicking Game Mystery
Lumen Field is notoriously difficult for kickers, specifically at the north end where the stadium opens up. Even on a "calm" day, the wind can swirl in strange patterns because of the stadium's unique "clamshell" roof design.
- Light Wind (0-7 mph): Basically no impact. This is what we're expecting Saturday.
- Moderate Wind (10-15 mph): You'll start to see coaches hesitate on 50-plus yarders.
- Heavy Wind (20+ mph): This is where it gets ugly. Field goal percentages drop by nearly 10% in these conditions.
Since we're looking at 5 mph winds, Jason Myers shouldn't have any excuses. But don't be shocked if you see the flags on top of the uprights twitching in different directions. That’s just the Lumen Field ghost.
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Dressing for a "Warm" Winter Game
Don't let that 50-degree high fool you. Once the sun goes down behind the Olympics, the temperature in those concrete stands drops fast.
You’ve got to layer. It’s the Seattle way.
Lumen Field is strict about what you can bring in. Most people don't realize that battery-operated heated blankets, jackets, and vests are actually permitted, provided they aren't the kind that light up or inflate. Security will check the batteries, though, so don't act surprised when they ask you to pull the power pack out at the gate.
Also, umbrellas. Yes, they’re allowed if they’re collapsible. But honestly? Don't be that person. If you open an umbrella in the 100-level, you’re going to hear about it from everyone behind you. Just wear a hood.
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The Seismic Factor (No, Seriously)
This isn't just about rain and wind. For this specific game, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has actually installed six sensors around the stadium. They’re tracking "Fan Quakes."
The "Beast Quake" back in 2011 was a real, measurable seismic event. With the weather being so nice, the crowd is going to be even louder and more active than usual. If the Seahawks break off a big play, the ground is literally going to shake.
It’s not just a metaphor. It’s physics.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
If you’re heading to the game, here is the reality of what you need to do:
- Check the North End: If you’re sitting in the Hawks Nest, you’re going to feel the breeze more than anyone else. Even a 5 mph wind feels colder when it's hitting you directly off the water.
- Clear Bag Policy: Don't forget, cases for binoculars or tablets aren't allowed if they're over 4.5” x 6.5”. Just carry them or use a clear bag.
- Hydrate: It sounds stupid when it's 48 degrees, but cold-weather dehydration is a real thing.
- Watch the Flags: Before any big kick, look at the flags on the goalposts. If they’re pointing at each other, the wind is swirling—that’s when things get unpredictable.
The 49ers vs. Seahawks game is going to be a pure test of talent because Mother Nature decided to take the night off. No mud, no slush, just fast football. Enjoy the rare January sunshine while it lasts, because by Monday, the rain is probably coming back.
To stay ahead of any last-minute shifts, keep an eye on the local radar about two hours before kickoff, as Puget Sound weather can turn on a dime even when the forecast looks this "pristine."