So I'm channeling a little Credence Clearwater Revival for the headline of this morning's blog entry, but, it truly has been a long time since we've used the "r" word in a forecast! Today marks the final dry day across western Washington, as a band of thick clouds is already sitting along the coast of our state and is set to move in over the next 12-18 hours, bringing with it the first rain in nearly two weeks.

First, for today, it's more of the same -- at least this morning. A blanket of dense fog remains in place around much of the Sound. There is a difference, though, today -- one that will help deliver more bright spots and warmer temperatures to the area later. The dfiference in pressure from east to west is increasing; pressure is lowering across the eastern Pacific as high pressure sits over eastern Washington. This increases the pressure gradient and, in response, the atmosphere starts moving the air around a bit more. It won't be much, but we will have a 4-8 mph southeast breeze at times this afternoon; this will be enough to mix down some drier, warmer air from aloft over parts of the Sound. The low clouds and fog will thin and temperatures for many spots will climb out of the 30s and into the 40s. In some areas, where the fog thins a bit more, temperatures will approach 50 degrees by day's end.

Overnight, the first rain will reach the coast with showers moving into Puget Sound by late in the morning commute. A westerly flow means much of the Sound will be in the Olympic rain shadow, however, we'll still muster enough moisture for rainfall totals of around a quarter inch through most areas. In the southwest Sound, along the coast, and across the north Cascades, liquid precpitation will average a half inch to up to an inch-and-a-half.

What about the mountains? It's far too warm for snow right now, as snow levels on this Tuesday morning are up near 10,000 feet. As the upper level disturbane moves in, though, snow levels will fall appreciably:

• Today: 10,000 feet
• Tomorrow Midday: 4,000 feet
• Thursday AM: 2,500 feet

This means snow will fall all the way down to Snoqualmie Pass by tomorrow evening. Snowfall totals at Stevens Pass will average 8-12" by Thursday morning, with 3-7" totals around Snoqualmie. In the north Cascades, where upslope flow will be maximized, snowfall totals of 1-2 feet will be common by Thursday.

After a break with only showers for a time on Thursday, a warm front pushes in late in the day with increasing rain coverage that lasts into Friday. Certainly a weather pattern more typical of late January!

Have a great day!