Look, everyone in the Northwest has that one friend who starts tracking the European model ten days out. They’re convinced a "Snowpocalypse" is coming every time the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Honestly, after the weirdly warm December we just suffered through—where it felt more like a wet spring than actual winter—it’s hard to blame them for getting a little twitchy.
But if you’re looking at the PNW weather next week, you need to ignore the hype and look at the actual numbers. We aren't looking at a deep freeze or a tropical heatwave. Basically, it’s going to be the kind of week that makes you grateful for a high-quality raincoat and a solid pair of waterproof boots.
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Why PNW weather next week is weirder than you think
The big story isn't just "rain." It’s the consistency. Usually, January gives us these tiny windows of crisp, blue-sky sunshine between the storm fronts. But the outlook for the coming days shows a relentless ceiling of gray.
Starting Monday, January 19, we’re seeing a high of 51°F in places like Seattle, which is remarkably mild for this time of year. Most people assume "winter" means "freezing," but in our neck of the woods, it’s often just a long, damp shrug from the atmosphere. Portland is looking even clearer at the start of the week, hitting 48°F with actual sun on Monday. If you have outdoor chores, do them then. Seriously.
By Wednesday, the clouds really start to settle in for a long stay. We’re talking humidity levels pushing 80% to 90% across the region. That’s the kind of damp that gets into your bones. It doesn't matter if it's 45 degrees out; when the air is that saturated, it feels ten degrees colder. You’ve probably noticed that "wet cold" hits different than a dry freeze in the mountains.
The mountain snow struggle
For the skiers and boarders, the news is... well, it's complicated. We’ve been dealing with a legitimate snow drought this season. According to recent data from Drought.gov, over 80% of SNOTEL stations in Washington and Oregon are reporting snow water equivalents below the 20th percentile. That’s a fancy way of saying the mountains are starving for the white stuff.
Next week doesn't look like the massive "reload" we were hoping for. While we might see some light snow showers by next Sunday, January 25, the temperatures at the passes are hovering right on that annoying line where it could easily turn into a wintry mix. Denser, heavier snow is the likely candidate if we get any accumulation at all. It’s not exactly "blower powder" weather.
What to actually expect day-to-day
Don't expect dramatic shifts. This is a week of gradual cooling. In the Seattle metro area, we start at 51°F on Monday and slowly drift down to 41°F by Saturday. It’s a slow-motion chill.
Portland follows a similar script, though they’ll likely stay a bit drier in the middle of the week compared to their northern neighbors. But by Friday night, the rain chances start creeping up for everyone. We’re looking at a 35% chance of rain in the Sound by Friday night, which usually means "it’s definitely going to drizzle while you’re trying to go out for dinner."
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The wind situation is actually the one bright spot. Most days are showing wind speeds under 10 mph. We aren't expecting any of those nasty Pineapple Express gusts that knock out power lines and send your neighbor's trampoline into your backyard. It’s just... quiet. Damp and quiet.
Misconceptions about January "Warmth"
A lot of folks see a forecast for 50 degrees in January and think they can leave the heavy coat at home. That’s a trap. Because the sun is so low and the uv index is essentially zero right now, you aren't getting any "radiant" heat.
The air is cold. The ground is cold. And with humidity at 84%, your body loses heat much faster than it would in a dry environment. It's why 50 degrees in Seattle feels like 35 degrees in Denver.
Actionable steps for the week ahead
Since the PNW weather next week is going to be a masterclass in "The Big Gray," you should probably prep accordingly. This isn't about survival; it's about not being miserable.
- Check your gutters Monday. It’s going to be sunny in Portland and Seattle. If they're full of those soggy December leaves, the light rain coming later in the week will turn them into a mess.
- Vitamin D is non-negotiable. With 0 UV index across the board, your mood is going to take a hit by Thursday. Start the supplements now before the "gray malaise" sets in.
- Watch the pass reports. If you’re heading over I-90 or through Government Camp next weekend, keep an eye on Sunday night. That’s when the chance of snow showers jumps to 25%. It's not a lot, but on a mountain road, it’s enough to make things greasy.
- Dehumidify the house. With outside humidity hitting 95% on Thursday, your indoor air is going to feel heavy. Crank the heater for an hour or run a dehumidifier to keep the mold at bay.
Ultimately, next week is just classic Northwest winter. It's the kind of weather that was meant for coffee shops, local bookstores, and complaining about the lack of sun while secretly enjoying the excuse to stay inside.