Rounds of rain and snow will move into the Northwest later this week and could cause travel trouble typical for this time of year, AccuWeather meteorologists say.
On the heels of Southern California receiving its first significant rain and mountain snow of the winter, some rain and snow will move into the Northwest later this week.
“After more than two weeks of mainly dry weather for places in the Pacific Northwest, such as Seattle, and Portland and Eugene, Oregon, a wind shift from the Pacific will break through and deliver at least one front and its moisture into the Northwest beginning on Thursday night and Friday,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said.
Seattle’s January rainfall has been about 20% of the historical average, which is 5.78 inches. Meanwhile, Portland has picked up just over 2 inches of rain, compared to a historical average of about 5 inches for the month.
As is often the case when a front or full-fledged storm moves onshore from the Pacific, freezing levels will rise and then fall as warm and cold air exchange.
“Snow levels will be lowering Friday and Friday night with slow and slippery travel through Snoqualmie Pass on I-90,” Houk said.
It will get chilly enough for snow to fall near sea level by Saturday morning, but not much moisture will be left over by that time. Still, there could be enough lingering to produce wet snow showers in western Washington and northwestern Oregon on Saturday. “How much moisture is left behind will determine if there will be a small, slushy accumulation or not along the I-5 corridor,” Houk said.
This weekend, there will most likely be a dry zone to the immediate east of the Cascades. Still, some rain and wet snow can fall in eastern parts of Washington and Oregon on Saturday night and Sunday.
While there will not be any major storms that immediately follow the front into the Northwest later this weekend to next week, there will be a weak but slow-moving storm that can bring more showers.
Snow levels will be near sea level from Sunday to Tuesday in the coastal Northwest, and it is possible there can be a little accumulation around Seattle during that time, Houk explained.
“The same slow-moving storm off the coast next week will also continue to direct moisture into the northern half of California and southern Oregon where flooding could evolve in places that get several pulses of heavy rain,” Houk said.
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After weeks of unseasonably dry weather, the Pacific Northwest is set to see a return of rain and snow in the coming days. The region has been experiencing unusually warm temperatures and clear skies, but that is about to change as a series of weather systems move in from the Pacific Ocean.
The return of precipitation will be a welcome sight for many in the region, especially as drought conditions have been worsening in recent weeks. The rain and snow will help to replenish water supplies and provide much-needed relief for farmers and residents alike.
While some may be disappointed to see the end of the dry spell, the return of more typical Pacific Northwest weather is a reminder of the region’s natural beauty and diversity. So, grab your umbrellas and snow boots, and get ready for some much-needed moisture in the coming days! #PacificNorthwest #RainAndSnow #WeatherUpdate
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