A weather system will move away tonight, leaving some rain and snow showers in the highlands. However, light snowfall may continue in the Cascade Mountains due to remaining moisture.
A powerful storm system is arriving from the Gulf of Alaska, and it is predicted to intensify as it approaches the US-Canada coast. This system will produce hurricane-force winds offshore.
For us, that means high winds from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning, with gusts reaching 45-60 mph. The mountains, particularly Snoqualmie Pass, might experience even heavier gusts of 55-60 mph. A blizzard warning has been issued for areas of the Cascades due to heavy snow and strong gusts, resulting in poor visibility.
While the eastern slopes of the Cascades may receive snow and high gusts, the intensity will be reduced. However, travel can be difficult, so proceed with caution if you plan to leave.
The first major wave of rain and mountain snow is expected to hit Tuesday night. Most locations will receive at least a tenth of an inch of rain, except for the Columbia Basin and Central Oregon. Warmer air will follow, increasing snow levels and restricting snowfall to higher elevations later this week.
Thursday through Monday
Key points:
- Rain is forecast throughout the period.
- Temperatures will be higher than typical during the weekend.
- Localized flooding may occur in various regions.
A strong low-pressure system will remain off the shores of Washington and Oregon until late this weekend when it will move inland. This setup predicts a wet stretch, with Thursday and Friday experiencing the most rain. Lower elevations should see 0.25-0.45 inches of rain, while higher elevations may see up to 0.85 inches.
Saturday and Sunday will bring additional sporadic rain showers, however, the severity will decrease as we approach next week. Snow levels will remain between 5,000 and 6,000 feet through Friday before dropping over the weekend, delivering snow to high mountain locations such as the Cascades and Blue Mountains.
Daytime highs will range from the upper 40s to the low 50s, with moderate nights in the upper 30s to low 40s until Friday. Cooler weather arrives during the weekend, with several areas seeing temperatures near or below freezing on Monday morning.
With this much rain, there is a risk of localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas if the rain is severe or continuous. While there is no big snowpack to worry about yet, keep an eye out for water pooling on highways.