SEATTLE — This weekend could bring chances of thunderstorms to the western Washington area.
KING 5 has activated First Alert for this weather event, which could affect lives, property or travel in the Pacific Northwest region. During this event, the First Alert Weather Team will bring you the latest information to keep you and your family safe.
KING 5 Chief Meteorologist Mike Everett said Saturday afternoon into the evening is the time of most concern for the central Puget Sound area. There is up to a 35% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday, June 15.
This happens when cold air coming in off the Gulf of Alaska moves over the warmer land - the atmosphere bubbles up into showers and thunderstorms. We will also see a Puget Sound convergence zone form Saturday afternoon. This enhances clouds and rainfall and gives you a better chance of getting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The convergence zone happens most often from Seattle northward to the Everett-Marysville area and west into the Kitsap Peninsula and northeast Olympic Peninsula.
The forecast also shows decreasing chances of lightning for all areas of western Washington on Sunday.
Storms could bring lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds and possible hail to the region, and especially to King and Snohomish counties, Meteorologist Everett said.
Hikers in the mountains should be prepared for snow levels dropping to 4,500-5,000 feet. However, it should remain rain for all but the highest mountain highway passes – Chinook Pass and North Cascades.
By Sunday, Father's Day, chances of rain showers and possible thunderstorms remain into the afternoon, but will be much less than Saturday.
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