Seattle weather: Rainstorm, possible lightning, then heat in the 80s

The Seattle area might be in for another weather roller coaster this week, with a jumble of rain, a chance of thunderstorms and 80-degree temperatures.

Sunday brought a mix of patchy skies and some showers across Western Washington, with midday temperatures in the low 60s, according to the Seattle office of the National Weather Service. By late Monday morning, rain is expected to sweep more of the region, said NWS meteorologist Maddie Kristell.

The rest of the cold front will rumble in Tuesday, bringing more wet weather and a possibility of thunderstorms throughout Western Washington, Kristell said. As of Sunday afternoon, the likelihood was somewhat low — about 10% to 20%, she said.

“But the chance is still there,” Kristell said.

The storms Tuesday could be accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and small hail, according to the weather service. Meteorologists will know more soon, Kristell added.

By midweek, temperatures should start to rise and “then really take off by the weekend,” Kristell said. Wednesday will likely be in the low to mid 60s, then get to the mid- to upper 70s on Thursday and Friday. Saturday could reach the 80s, she said.

“There’s a pretty steep rise in temperatures,” she said. “We’re expecting that heat to linger into next week as well.”

People should be aware of the heat as they flock outside, she added, especially World Cup fans that will crowd the region as Seattle hosts its first game on June 15, in what could be a prolonged heat wave.

According to the weather service, most of Western Washington, except around the Cascade Mountains, will be at risk of moderate heat by Sunday.

“We’re no stranger to heat in June,” Kristell said. “But it is going to be decent, and something to keep an eye on.”