If you’ve lived in Seattle for any length of time, you know rain is just part of life. But while you might be used to gray skies and damp sidewalks, having your lights flicker every time it rains can be unsettling — and even a little concerning. What’s behind those sudden flashes and dimming bulbs when the weather turns wet? Let’s break it down.
Common Causes of Lights Flickering During Rain
Several factors can cause your lights to flicker when it rains, and understanding them is the first step to fixing the issue.
1. Water Infiltration in Electrical Components
Seattle’s consistent rain can find its way into places it doesn’t belong. If water seeps into outdoor electrical boxes, wiring conduits, or even connections on utility poles, it can cause intermittent electrical issues. Moisture acts as a conductor, potentially shorting out connections and causing your lights to blink or dim.
2. Loose or Corroded Connections
Damp conditions can exacerbate loose or corroded wiring connections. Over time, exposure to moisture and humidity weakens outdoor electrical connections or those inside poorly sealed enclosures. When rain increases moisture levels, these already compromised connections can temporarily lose contact, leading to flickering lights.
3. Overloaded Electrical Circuits
Seattle homes often rely heavily on indoor lighting and heating during rainy, darker months. If your home’s electrical circuits are overloaded — particularly when combined with moisture-related issues — you may notice your lights dimming or flickering when large appliances cycle on or when the weather is especially wet.
4. Utility Grid Problems
Sometimes, the issue isn’t inside your home at all. Rain, combined with wind and falling branches, can damage power lines or transformers. Water exposure at connection points on power poles or inside underground cables can cause voltage fluctuations that affect entire neighborhoods, making your lights flicker even if your home’s wiring is fine.
Is It Dangerous?
In some cases, flickering lights during rain are harmless and temporary. However, persistent or severe flickering is often a sign of a more serious electrical problem. Potential risks include:
- Electrical fires caused by short circuits.
- Damage to appliances from unstable voltage.
- Power outages if the problem worsens.
If you notice frequent or intense flickering, especially alongside other symptoms like buzzing outlets or warm light switches, it’s wise to get a licensed electrician involved.
What You Can Do
1. Inspect Outdoor Fixtures
Check exterior outlets, light fixtures, and electrical boxes for signs of water exposure, corrosion, or loose covers. Ensure everything is properly sealed and weatherproofed.
2. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection
A licensed electrician can test your home’s wiring and connections, both indoors and outdoors, to identify vulnerable spots affected by moisture. They can tighten loose connections, replace corroded parts, and recommend upgrades if necessary.
3. Monitor Your Circuit Load
Avoid overloading circuits during rainy seasons when your electrical system might already be compromised by damp conditions. Spread out appliance use, or consider installing dedicated circuits for high-demand devices like space heaters or dehumidifiers.
4. Contact Your Utility Company
If you suspect the problem is coming from the power grid — especially if your neighbors are experiencing similar issues — report it to your utility provider. They can inspect power lines, transformers, and utility connections to ensure everything is safe and functioning properly.
Preventing Future Issues
Seattle’s wet climate isn’t going anywhere, but you can take steps to prevent flickering lights during rain:
- Install weatherproof covers on all outdoor electrical outlets and fixtures.
- Use GFCI outlets for all exterior and damp-area connections.
- Cut back tree branches close to power lines to help prevent weather-related hazards.
- Have your home’s electrical system inspected every few years, especially in older homes.
When to Call a Professional
If your lights flicker frequently during rainstorms, and especially if it’s accompanied by other electrical issues like breakers tripping or appliances malfunctioning, don’t ignore it. Electrical problems in wet environments can escalate quickly.
A professional electrician can safely diagnose and correct the issue, whether it’s in your home’s wiring or related to the incoming service line. It’s better to address minor issues early than risk a larger, more dangerous problem down the line and having your lights flicker could be the sign it’s time to have your electrical looked at.
In a rainy city like Seattle, it’s not uncommon for electrical quirks to pop up during wet weather. While having occasional lights flicker may not be cause for alarm, consistent or intense lights flickering when it rains signals that something needs attention.
