Pacific Northwest experiences autumn weather shift

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a shift toward autumn weather patterns, characterized by cool marine air and low-lying cloud layers. NASA satellite imagery from mid-September 2026 shows a thick layer of marine stratus and fog extending across western Washington and Oregon, reaching as far inland as the western foothills of the Cascade Range. In some coastal areas, the Olympic Mountains and the Oregon Coast Range appeared to protrude above the cloud layer.

Weather forecasts indicate a stronger fall-like system moving into the region. This system is expected to bring widespread showers, cooler temperatures, and gusty winds. In southwest Washington, wind gusts could reach between 35 and 45 mph by Friday evening. While conditions are expected to stabilize with some sunbreaks over the weekend, cooler temperatures are projected to persist.