Ted Buehner is a longtime meteorologist expert for the Pacific Northwest.
A map tracking Puget Sound Convergence Zone radar from December 26, 2025. Spring offers a unique weather feature in the Puget Sound region — the Puget Sound Convergence Zone . The Convergence Zone can occur at any time of the year, but it occurs most often in the spring. Monday brings the Convergence Zone, with the bulk of the showers in Snohomish and northern King Counties. The weather changes Tuesday as a Pacific frontal system tracks onshore with rain spreading inland through Tuesday night. Wednesday is expected to produce another Puget Sound Convergence Zone with more showers concentrated mainly in the North Sound.
Imagine water in a stream flowing around a large rock. The water wraps around the rock and meets on the other side. On a grand scale, that’s what happens with westerly air flow off the Pacific Ocean, wrapping around and colliding just east of the Olympics. South Snohomish County is ground zero for the Convergence Zone. The westerly air flows through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and along the south side of the Olympics, wrapping around the mountains, collides, rises, and produces clouds and then rain. If it is cold enough, it can snow. Even thunderstorms can develop. With more frequent, stronger flows through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Convergence Zone often drifts south into King County.
After Wednesday’s spring showers, the clouds are expected to part, permitting temperatures to feel more winter-like. Highs Wednesday into Friday will warm only into the 50s, about 5 degrees below average for mid-April. Lows in the usual colder areas, such as the South Sound, have the potential to dip back into the freezing range, with frost likely. In addition, winter mountain weather is anticipated to make a brief comeback. Snow levels on Tuesday are expected to drop to near 3,000 feet, then to near 1,500 feet on Wednesday. Mountain highway crews plan to keep the roadways clear and address any snow accumulation. Later in the week, higher pressure aloft is forecast to build over the region, warming temperatures back up to near 60 by Saturday.
Spring is also the peak time of year for thunderstorms, particularly involving the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. One key by-product of thunderstorms is tornadoes, and spring is prime time for tornadoes in Western Washington. Tornadoes are born from thunderstorms. The December 2018 Port Orchard F2 tornado with winds up to 110 mph was generated from a thunderstorm. A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air touching the ground. A funnel cloud does not touch the ground. A waterspout is a tornado over water, like Puget Sound. Washington State averages around two tornadoes per year. Some years have none. In 1997, though, a record 14 tornadoes occurred.
Tornadoes can occur any time of the year, but the seasonal transition of spring and fall is when most tornadoes occur, with April and May having the greatest number of tornadoes in the state. Most Washington tornadoes are weak and last less than two minutes. Most are F0 or F1 events with wind speeds under 110 mph. However, Washington has suffered three F3 tornadoes since 1950, two of which occurred on the same day – April 5, 1972. Vancouver was hit by one, striking a school, a grocery store, and a bowling house, killing six and injuring more than 200. Washington led the nation in tornado deaths that year. Later that same day, another F3 tornado touched down outside of Davenport, west of Spokane. The other F3 tornado occurred in early December 1969, starting as a waterspout off Des Moines and tracking into the Green River valley. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Like thunderstorms with lightning, head indoors if a thunderstorm approaches. The phrase to remember is: When thunder roars, go indoors. And for tornado safety, get into an interior room without windows or, if available, a basement. Western Washington spring weather usually offers a wide variety of conditions, from recent warm sunshine to showers, hail, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes. Remember, when you are weather-aware, you are weather-prepared.
Snow, hail and waterspout hit Seattle in rare April weather eventWestern WA’s spring sunshine ends this weekend as showers returnCliff Mass weighs in on the warning that there is a growing chance of a super El Niño later this year from several climate scientists.
Redmond HVAC contractor earns triple recognition in 60 days, reflecting a shift in how homeowners vet contractors Three independent organizations that evaluate home service contractors each reached the same conclusion: Home Comfort Alliance is among the most reliable in its market.
WSECU Community Champion: Chrystal Ortega’s mission to feed Spokane Chrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.
When Shawn Tibbitts opened Tibbitts FernHill, he was just trying to survive. The small Tacoma restaurant has since earned culinary awards and praise.
Wilcox Family Farms is continuing its cherished holiday tradition of giving back by donating nearly one million eggs to food banks across the South Sound region this season.
Matthew Ballantyne has transformed that early awareness into action, embodying the organization's mission:'No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town.'
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Audiophile Headphones: Prioritizing Sound Quality for Music and GamingThis article discusses the importance of sound quality for audiophiles when choosing headphones, emphasizing the need for research and investment. It highlights the distinction between casual users and those who prioritize audio fidelity, particularly in music and gaming contexts.
Read more »
Sound Transit talks light rail future in Everett amid budget challengesPeople are fired up about the unclear timeline of light rail service in Everett.Sound Transit staff and board members are considering scaling back on certain li
Read more »
Cosmic Convergence: Aries Energy Fuels Action and ReflectionThe moon's alignment with multiple planets in Aries today signifies a surge of assertive energy, prompting proactive engagement with goals and challenges. While intense, this period also offers opportunities for introspective clarity and the importance of supportive interactions.
Read more »
Mini Turned 2 Countrymans Into Rolling Boomboxes to Celebrate 'Sound Culture'Mini and design studio Vagabund took a pair of Countryman crossovers and outfitted them with a massive array of speakers.
Read more »
Short-lived waterspout spotted over Puget Sound west of Magnolia, NWS saysA fast-moving storm sweeping through western Washington on Wednesday afternoon brought a rare sight over Puget Sound: a short-lived waterspout spotted west of S
Read more »
Rare Waterspout Dazzles Puget Sound as Storm Gathers StrengthA swift-moving storm system delivered an uncommon spectacle to Western Washington on Wednesday afternoon, with a brief waterspout observed over Puget Sound. The National Weather Service confirmed the sighting, prompting a call for further witness accounts and footage. The phenomenon occurred several miles offshore, adding an element of natural wonder to the day's atmospheric activity, while other incidents, including a firearm standoff and questions surrounding transit fare enforcement, also made headlines.
Read more »