Seattle has reached a rare winter milestone, going deep into the season without recording a single daily high temperature below 40 degrees, according to the Seattle Weather Blog.
This marks only the ninth time in recorded history that Seattle has gone this far into winter without dipping below the 40-degree mark during the day.
Looking back at the eight previous instances shows a split outcome:
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❄️ Four winters eventually turned cold and snowy in February (1990, 2002, 2019, and 2021).
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🌱 Four winters remained warm and spring-like (1958, 1970, 1992, and 2003).
Meteorologists say the historical pattern highlights just how unpredictable Pacific Northwest winters can be. While the mild conditions may continue, past trends suggest a sharp shift to colder weather is still very much on the table.
This is only the 9th time Seattle has gone this far into winter without a daily high temperature below 40°
Of the 8 other instances:
❄️ 4 turned cold & snowy in Feb (2021, 2019, 2002 and 1990)
🌷 4 stayed warm & springlike (2003, 1992, 1970 & 1958)
So anything’s possible
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) January 16, 2026