Honestly, if you live here, you know the drill. You wake up, look out the window at that familiar wall of grey, and wonder if today is a "light drizzle" or a "soaking rain" kind of day. But the weather forecast for Seattle Washington this week is doing something a little different. Instead of the usual relentless pounding of Pineapple Express rain, we are stuck in a bit of a stagnant soup.
It’s foggy. Like, really foggy.
If you were hoping for a crisp, clear January morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) basically says: not yet. We’re currently sitting under a massive ridge of high pressure. In most parts of the world, high pressure means "sunny and nice." In Seattle during the winter, it often means the air gets trapped. All that moisture from the Sound and the Pacific just sits there, turning the city into a scene from a noir film.
The Immediate Outlook: Soup and Mild Temps
Right now, we are looking at daytime highs hovering right around 50°F. That is actually a few degrees warmer than our typical January average. If you’re heading out tonight, expect the temperature to dip to about 45°F.
But the real story is the visibility.
The NWS has been tracking dense fog that’s been stubborn as a mule. It starts in the late evening, thickens overnight, and then just lingers through the morning commute. Sometimes it doesn’t even fully lift until the afternoon, especially if you’re down in the South Sound or near the water.
👉 See also: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
- Wednesday Night: Expect more of that "pea soup" fog. It’s going to be thick, so maybe don't trust your usual driving times.
- Thursday: Patchy fog in the morning, shifting to mostly cloudy. We might see some offshore winds that could finally kick some of this gloom out of here.
- The Weekend: This is the payoff. The ridge is expected to hold, which means we might actually see the sun on Friday and Saturday. Highs could even touch the mid-50s.
What Most People Get Wrong About Seattle Winters
People think it just rains 24/7. It doesn’t.
Actually, January is often more about the "Big Grey" than the "Big Rain." We average about 18 days of measurable precipitation this month, but the volume is often lower than the November storms. This year, we’re seeing a transition in the Pacific. La Niña is hanging on by a thread, with a 75% chance of moving into "neutral" territory by the time we hit March.
What does that mean for your backyard? It means the weather is unpredictable. While the lowlands are foggy and mild, the Cascades just got slammed. Earlier this month, around January 7th and 8th, the mountains saw a massive Winter Storm Warning with some spots picking up nearly two feet of snow.
If you’re planning a trip over Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass, don't let the 50-degree weather in Seattle fool you. The mountains are still in full winter mode, and those passes can turn into a skating rink in about twenty minutes.
The Surprise "Warm" Snap
It feels weird to call 50 degrees "warm," but for Seattle in mid-January, it’s a bit of a gift. We usually see highs closer to 46°F or 47°F. This mild stretch is thanks to that high-pressure ridge blocking the cold Arctic air that’s currently freezing out the East Coast.
✨ Don't miss: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
However, there is a catch.
Because the air is so still, air quality can sometimes take a hit. Without wind to blow out the car exhaust and woodsmoke, things can get a bit stale. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, it’s worth keeping an eye on the local air quality sensors while this "stagnant air" pattern holds.
Quick Stats for January 14, 2026:
- Current High: 50°F
- Tonight's Low: 45°F
- Humidity: Stays high, around 89% to 92%.
- Wind: Very light, mostly under 5 mph.
- Daylight: We are gaining about 2 minutes of sun every day now. Every bit counts!
Looking Ahead: Is Snow Still Possible?
Every Seattlite asks this: "Is it going to snow in the city?"
Historically, our biggest snow events happen in late January or early February. The Old Farmer’s Almanac and some of the long-range models from the University of Washington's climate office suggest that while we are mild now, we shouldn't put the shovels away. There's a signal for a colder "punch" toward the very end of the month.
For now, the weather forecast for Seattle Washington is all about the "grey-on-grey" aesthetic. It’s damp, it’s misty, and it’s perfectly Seattle.
🔗 Read more: Hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces: What your stylist isn't telling you
Actionable Tips for This Week's Weather
Stop checking the radar and start checking the visibility reports. If you're commuting on I-5 or the 405, that morning fog is the biggest hazard you'll face this week. Make sure your headlights are actually on (daytime running lights often don't turn on your tail lights, which is how people get rear-ended in the fog).
Check your wipers. Since it’s more "mist" than "rain," your wipers might get that annoying squeaky buildup. A quick wipe of the blades with some rubbing alcohol usually fixes that right up.
Lastly, take advantage of the dry window this weekend. It’s the perfect time to clear out those gutters before the next inevitable front moves in. We’ve had a relatively dry start to the month, but in the Pacific Northwest, that’s usually just the atmosphere catching its breath.
Keep your layers handy. You'll want a light waterproof shell for the morning dampness, but you might actually be able to ditch the heavy parka by lunchtime if that sun manages to break through.
Clean your car's sensor cameras. If you have a newer car with lane assist or automatic braking, the heavy fog and road grime from the mist can muck up the sensors. Give them a quick wipe so your safety tech actually works when you need it.
Monitor the pass reports if you're headed east. The gap between city weather and mountain weather is massive right now. Use the WSDOT app; it's the only way to stay sane when you're trying to figure out if you need chains for a weekend ski trip.
Prepare for the transition. These high-pressure ridges don't last forever. When they break, they usually break with a fairly windy rain event. Tighten any loose fence boards or clear debris from your street's storm drains now while it's still 50 degrees and dry.