Honestly, looking at the sky in Vancouver right now, you’d never guess we’re in the middle of a Pacific Northwest winter. It’s sunny. Like, actually sunny. Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re hitting a high of 50°F with barely a breeze coming out of the east at 4 mph. If you've lived here long enough, you know this kind of "fool's spring" is exactly when the 14 day weather forecast vancouver washington starts to get tricky.
People see a clear sky and think the rain is gone for good. It isn't.
The Dry Spell Won't Last Forever
We are currently riding a high-pressure ridge that is keeping things unusually crisp and bright. Sunday, January 18, is looking like a carbon copy of today: sunny, a high of 51°F, and a low of 33°F. It’s great for a walk along the Waterfront, but don't let the northeast wind fool you—it’s still freezing once the sun dips.
By Monday, the 19th, we start to see the first cracks in the armor. Highs stay near 49°F, but the clouds begin to creep back in by nightfall. Most folks expect the rain to come crashing back immediately, but this year's pattern is more of a slow fade. Tuesday and Wednesday (the 20th and 21st) will be mostly cloudy and grey, with highs dropping into the low 40s.
When the Real Rain Returns
If you’re planning outdoor projects, you’ve basically got until Thursday, January 22. That’s when the "light rain" returns in the evening. Humidity is going to spike to 98%, which basically means everything you touch will feel damp.
The most interesting part of the 14 day weather forecast vancouver washington is what happens next weekend. On Saturday, January 24, we’re looking at a messy mix of rain and snow. Now, don't go buying all the kale at Fred Meyer just yet. The high is 43°F and the low is 36°F. In Vancouver, that usually translates to "slush that disappears in twenty minutes," but it’s enough to make the I-5 commute a nightmare.
- Jan 17-19: Clear, sunny, and cold. Perfect for yard cleanup before the ground gets soaked again.
- Jan 20-22: Transition days. Overcast, chilly, and rising humidity.
- Jan 23-27: The return of the typical PNW drizzle, with a slight chance of white flakes on the 24th and 25th.
The La Niña Factor
Climate experts at the Washington State Climate Office have been tracking a weak La Niña this season. Usually, that means colder and wetter, but 2026 has been a bit of an outlier. We’re seeing "atmospheric rivers" that drop a ton of moisture and then vanish, leaving us with these weirdly beautiful clear stretches.
By Monday, January 26, we’re back to a 40% chance of rain with a high of 48°F. It’s a bit warmer than the seasonal average, but that’s the trade-off for the moisture.
Actionable Steps for the Next Two Weeks
Since the weather is shifting from "bone-dry cold" to "damp and drizzly," here is how to handle it:
- Seal your windows now: With humidity hitting nearly 100% next Thursday, any leaks in your window seals are going to lead to condensation and mold issues.
- Check your gutters: This weekend’s sun is the perfect time to clear out the late-fall debris before the rain returns on the 22nd.
- Layer for the East Wind: That 4-7 mph wind coming off the Columbia River feels way colder than the thermometer says. Stick to wool or synthetic layers; cotton is your enemy when the humidity rises next week.
- Watch the 36-degree mark: On the night of the 24th, keep an eye on your outdoor pipes. Even if it doesn't "snow," that rain-snow mix can be hard on exposed plumbing.
Basically, enjoy the sun while it lasts this weekend. The "big grey" is scheduled to return by the middle of next week, and the 14-day outlook suggests we'll be back in our rain boots before the month is out.