So in the span of just one week, we went from over 7-inches behind in total rainfall to finish out the year only 3.64-inches behind, pretty amazing but oh so typical for the Pacific NW. Now here it is only the 3rd of January and we are already .33 inches behind for the year. Looking at the Surface charts for the next five days we will probably be pretty close to average by next weekend. Just in time for the Duwamish Head race out of Des Moines.
Jan 3 500 MB 
Jan 3 Surface Analysis 
Jan 4 Surface Forecast 
Jan 5 500MB 
Jan 5 Surface Forecast 
Jan 6 Surface Forecast 
Jan 7 Surface Forecast
Today’s surface analysis shows a moderate series of low-pressure systems off the coast with a series of attached cold fronts that will start moving through the area tonight bringing strong southerly breezes to the coast, Admiralty Inlet, the eastern end of the Strait of JdF, and the San Juan Islands. After frontal passage, we can expect a strong onshore flow down the Straits as well as through the Chehalis Gap and up the Sound with wind speeds in the 20 to 30-knot range along with substantial rain.
The zonal flow of the jet stream will keep a steady supply of low-pressure systems with attached fronts coming into the Pacific Northwest into the foreseeable future. This will be aided by the development of an unseasonably strong high-pressure (1040MB) off the coast of California. Then by the 6th and 7th of January, you can see the development of a very strong low-pressure system (956MB) in the mid-Pacific which will make its presence felt here by next weekend. Maybe even bringing wind for an epic Duwamish Head Race that will go all the way around the course!
As we get closer to next weekend if it starts to look challenging for getting the boat from Seattle down to Des Moines for the Duwamish Head Race I’ll provide you with a brief update on Wednesday. As usual, in strong southerlies, the most challenging part maybe just getting in and out of the Des Moines Marina.
Have a great weekend and be sure to check conditions before you head out!
Bruce has raced and cruised the Pacific Northwest his entire life. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Washington in Biological Oceanography and learned meteorology “to keep from getting kicked around on the race course.” Bruce spent nearly two decades as Associate Publisher for Northwest Yachting Magazine, retiring in mid-2015, and was the chairman of the board of trustees for the Northwest Marine Trade Association in 2014. (photo of Bruce driving Playstation is a bit dated, but cool)