NASA Satellite Captures Marine Cloud Layer Over the Pacific Northwest

• A thick layer of morning stratus clouds and fog covered western Washington and Oregon on September 19, 2026, reaching as far inland as the Cascade Range foothills.
• NASA's Terra satellite captured imagery of the region showing the cloud blanket, while the Aqua satellite recorded the skies clearing by the afternoon.
• Marine air flowing onshore driven by temperature inversions caused the condensation and subsequent cloud formation.

Meteorological Context

• The cloud layer, known as marine stratus, formed when moist air near the surface was trapped beneath a warmer air layer.
• High peaks, specifically parts of the Olympic Mountains and the Oregon Coast Range, appeared as islands rising above the low-lying clouds.
• Smoke from ongoing wildland fires was observed filling valleys within the North Cascades during the same period.

Daily Progression

• Morning (10:45 a.m. PT): The cloud cover was at its most extensive, blanketing the coast and inland valleys.
• Afternoon (4:15 p.m. PT): Most skies cleared across the region, though some clouds persisted along the Oregon coast due to lingering cooler temperatures compared to inland areas.