Western Washington is bracing for a wet Christmas as an atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The National Weather Service predicts that the first of several weather fronts will arrive on Christmas afternoon and continue through the week. Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch stated that while this system will deliver significant precipitation, it may not be as intense as the last atmospheric river, which caused gusts of 40 to 45 miles per hour. Tacoma and Olympia are forecasted to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with winds potentially reaching 30 to 40 miles per hour. Travelers in mountainous areas should closely monitor conditions, as increased snowfall is anticipated from Wednesday through Friday.

During this holiday period, temperatures are expected to be above average, with highs in the upper 40s to 50s. Residents and travelers alike should stay prepared and keep an eye on continuous updates from the National Weather Service.