Atmospheric River to Soak Seattle Super Bowl Celebrations

Wet and wild weather expected to hit the Seattle area just in time for the big game.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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An atmospheric river, specifically a Pineapple Express, is set to bring heavy rain and soggy conditions to the Seattle area on Saturday, just as football fans are gearing up for Super Bowl celebrations. The wet weather is expected to last through the weekend, with colder air and potential mountain snow arriving on Sunday night.

Why it matters

The atmospheric river could disrupt outdoor Super Bowl festivities in the Seattle area, forcing fans to adjust their plans. The heavy rain also raises concerns about potential flooding, especially along the Skokomish River, which is being closely monitored.

The details

The atmospheric river will tap into deep tropical moisture as far south as Hawaii, resulting in steady rain and darker skies throughout Saturday. While no major river flooding is expected, the Skokomish River is being monitored for potential flooding. By Sunday night, colder air will move in, bringing snow levels down to 3,000 feet and the possibility of moderate mountain snow.

  • On Friday, the Seattle area will enjoy dry and sunny conditions with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s.
  • Clouds will increase overnight on Friday, with lows in the low to mid 40s on Saturday morning.
  • The atmospheric river will arrive on Saturday, bringing steady rain and waterlogged conditions throughout the day.
  • Rain will become more scattered on Sunday, mainly favoring the South Sound and southwest Washington.
  • Colder air will arrive on Sunday night, pushing snow levels down to 3,000 feet by Monday morning.

The players

Skokomish River

A river in western Washington that is being closely monitored for potential flooding due to the heavy rainfall from the atmospheric river.

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What’s next

Conditions are expected to dry out on Tuesday and Wednesday before rain chances return again by Thursday. The forecast for the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California is looking great, with partly cloudy and dry conditions expected.

The takeaway

This atmospheric river event serves as a reminder that Seattle's weather can be unpredictable, even during the typically mild spring-like conditions of early February. Football fans in the area will need to be prepared for a wet and wild weekend as they celebrate the big game.