Seattle’s reputation for rain is well earned in frequency if not necessarily intensity: the city sees about 950 mm (roughly 38 inches) of precipitation a year, but it typically arrives as long stretches of light, steady rain rather than short, heavy downpours, especially from October through March. That pattern comes from Pacific storm systems moving onshore and interacting with the surrounding hills and Puget Sound. Because individual storms are usually mild, radar here is less about avoiding sudden flooding and more about tracking exactly when a band of heavier rain or wind will move through during an otherwise drizzly, overcast stretch. Occasional atmospheric river events do bring much more intense rainfall and localized flooding risk to the wider region, particularly in the Cascade foothills. The National Weather Service’s regional Doppler radar, positioned north of the city, gives a detailed real-time view of these systems as they roll in off the Pacific.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Seattle right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Seattle, Washington in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Seattle, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Seattle rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Seattle?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Washington are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Seattle or pass by.
Is this Seattle rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.