So, you’re looking at the Seattle weather next week and thinking about grabbing that heavy parka or maybe just canceling your weekend plans. Honestly, don't.
If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a minute, you know the "Big Dark" usually means a constant, soul-crushing drizzle from November through March. But January 2026 is acting... weird. Kinda great, actually, if you’re a fan of seeing the sun before June.
While the rest of the country is dealing with clipper storms and Great Lakes snow dumps, Seattle is sitting under a massive ridge of high pressure. It’s basically a weather shield.
The Forecast: Breaking Down the Numbers
Right now, as of Thursday night, January 15, we’re looking at a 48°F evening with clear skies. That’s a far cry from the usual soggy January mess.
Here is what the next few days actually look like:
Friday, January 16: Expect a high of 51°F. It’s going to be sunny. Like, actually sunny. Lows will dip to 38°F at night, so it'll stay crisp.
Saturday, January 17: Another repeat. High of 51°F, low of 38°F. Totally clear skies.
Sunday through Tuesday: The dry streak continues. Meteorologists like Nick Allard at KIRO 7 are noting that this could be the longest dry spell we've seen since last autumn.
Seattle Weather Next Week: The Unusual Dry Spell
Most people assume Seattle in January is just one long, continuous rain cloud. Usually, they're right. The average January sees about 18 days of measurable rainfall. But the "Seattle weather next week" outlook is defying the stats.
This high-pressure system anchored over the Pacific Northwest is creating what we call a "stable" atmosphere. Basically, the air isn't moving much. This leads to clear, sunny afternoons, but it also traps moisture near the ground.
You’ve probably noticed the thick morning fog. That’s the trade-off. Without wind to scrub the air clean, we get these "inversions" where the mountains are basking in 50-degree sunshine while the I-5 corridor is stuck in a gray soup until noon.
What’s Actually Happening with La Niña?
We were told this was a La Niña year. Traditionally, that means "cooler and wetter" for us. But the Climate Prediction Center is seeing a transition. There’s about a 75% chance we move into "ENSO-neutral" territory between now and March.
What does that mean for your backyard?
It means the predictable patterns are breaking down. We’re seeing record-challenging warmth. Earlier this week, Sea-Tac hit 57°F, flirting with records from the 1950s.
Even though the "Seattle weather next week" looks dry and stable, don’t get too comfortable. The National Weather Service (NWS) is already eyeing a shift back to a wetter pattern toward the very end of the month.
Why You Should Care About the Offshore Flow
Notice the wind direction in the forecast. It’s coming from the North and Northeast at about 8 to 11 mph.
In the summer, we pray for that "onshore flow" (the marine push) to cool us down. In the winter, it’s the opposite. The "offshore flow" pushing out of the Fraser River Valley and the Cascade gaps is what’s keeping us dry. It’s literally pushing the rain clouds back into the Pacific.
This wind is also why the fog might not be as bad on Friday and Saturday. A little bit of breeze is enough to mix the air and keep the visibility from dropping to zero.
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Actionable Prep for a Dry January Week
Since the weather is actually cooperating for once, here’s how to handle it:
- Layering is non-negotiable: A 51°F high sounds warm, but once that sun drops at 4:30 PM, the temperature craters toward 38°F fast.
- Check your tires: Clear nights mean radiating heat loss. Even if it didn't rain, morning "black ice" can form from frozen fog on overpasses.
- Sunscreen (seriously): If you're heading to the mountains to get above the fog, the UV index is low, but the snow reflection and clear air are deceptively strong.
- Wash the car: It’s a rare window where your car won’t be covered in road grime five minutes after leaving the bay.
Enjoy the sun while it lasts. The rain-free streak is expected to hold through Tuesday, but the PNW always collects its debts eventually.