As 2012 draws to a close, we can now look back at a very wet year.  48.26” of rainfall has been recorded at Sea-Tac Airport since January 1^st.  That is nearly 11 inches above normal!  Since record keeping began at the airport in 1945, this is the 7^th wettest year on record. 

What makes this even more impressive is the fact that we had a historic dry stretch earlier this summer; 48 consecutive days without measurable rainfall at the airport.  2012 can lay claim to the second longest dry streak and the 7^th wettest year on record.  

After that dry streak ended, we more than made up for the lack of rainfall.  Since October 1^st (the beginning of the water year), Sea-Tac has recorded 21.84” of rainfall.  That is over 6.5” above normal.  Yes, it was been a very wet autumn across Western Washington. 

Drier Start to 2013

Before we usher in 2013, we have one last front making its way into our area on Monday.  You can see it on the satellite image above.  This is a weak system whose cold front is falling apart as it moves into Puget Sound.  There will be some rain along the coast; around 0.10” is expected.  A few stray showers are possible around the sound, but most areas will remain dry.  It certainly doesn’t look to be enough rain to bump us up into the #6 spot of 48.36” of rainfall set back in 1972. 

This front is out of here by the time the New Year’s Eve festivities kick into gear.  If you’re going to be outside to watch the fireworks at the Space Needle, you will stay dry, but you’ll want to bundle up.  Temperatures will be in the mid to low 30s at the stroke of midnight with some patchy fog.  New Year’s Day will remain dry with the chance of some showers returning on Thursday. 

Have a safe and happy New Year! 

-Sam Argier, KIRO 7 Meteorologist