PORT ANGELES — An unusually strong summer storm is set to soak the North Olympic Peninsula this weekend, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of rainfall amounts not typically seen in mid-August.
Forecasters say a frontal system will move into western Washington Friday through Saturday, bringing widespread wet weather. For Port Angeles and other areas along the Strait, there’s a greater than 90% chance of receiving at least a quarter-inch of rain by Saturday morning, with most likely totals more than half an inch.
Higher amounts are possible in the Olympics, where between 2 and 4 inches could fall. Forecasters note that the heaviest rainfall will be near the coast and in the mountains, but the entire region should prepare for a soaking.
The NWS cautions that the heavy rain could cause rivers to rise to unusually high levels for this time of year. People planning outdoor activities near rivers and streams this weekend are urged to remain alert for changing conditions.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity will persist into Thursday before the system arrives. Rain is expected to taper off late Saturday into Sunday.