SEATTLE — As we enter the last week of winter, western Washington could see its first 70-degree days of the year this weekend.
The temperatures across western Washington will gradually increase throughout the week, peaking on Sunday with an average of around 66 degrees. Most areas in Washington will see temperatures in the upper 60s on Sunday and Monday, but some areas could experience the first 70-degree temperatures of 2024.
The warmest areas will likely be in east Puget Sound, including Renton, the south Sound, including Olympia and Puyallup, and down the I-5 corridor to Chehalis.
RELATED: Western Washington weather forecast
Despite the warm weekend ahead, meteorologist Rich Marriott there is no correlation between early 70-degree days in spring and a hot summer.
After the warmer weekend, the forecast indicates temperatures will drop near Washington's normal highs at the start of next week. Typically, Washington sees temperatures in the mid-50s at this time of year.
The spring equinox is approaching on March 19, indicating the end of winter.
Puget Sound extended forecast
Tuesday: The heavier showers will be Seattle southward this morning, shifting to Seattle northward this afternoon as convergence zones form. There is a chance of an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon in the convergence zone. Afternoon highs in the upper 40s to near 50.
Wednesday: Morning clouds and patchy fog becoming partly sunny in the afternoon. Morning lows will be around 40 degrees. Afternoon highs near 50 degrees.
Thursday: Areas of patchy morning fog then mostly sunny. Seasonal temperatures. Morning lows are around 40. Afternoon highs in the low to mid-50s.
Friday: Patchy morning fog otherwise mostly sunny. Morning lows in the 40s. Highs in the mid-50s to around 60 degrees.
Saturday-Sunday: Mostly sunny and warm. Morning lows in the mid-40s. Highs in the mid-60s with the warmest areas in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees.
Monday: Mostly sunny and a little cooler. Lows in the mid-40s. Highs in the low to mid-60s.
