SEATTLE — While the mountains are getting pummeled with snow, meteorologists are looking ahead to another potentially impactful weather event later this week: possible lowland snow.
Many people may have seen snowflake icons show up in their weather apps this week. However, there is a lot of uncertainty with the lowland snow forecast, especially around the amount of snow that could accumulate.
A mass of cold air is expected to move south into western Washington starting Wednesday night and stick around through Saturday.
At the same time, waves of moisture are expected to move in from the Pacific Ocean. The first wave moves in Wednesday night, and another wave moves in Friday night. That combination of cold air and moisture could potentially create the recipe for lowland snow.
The catch is whether the push of cold air suppresses the Wednesday night system, keeping it – and snow chances – further south of western Washington. The catch with Friday night’s system will be if the cold air will hold on enough for wintry precipitation as milder Pacific moisture heads in from the subtropics.
The KING 5 First Alert Weather Team is waiting for the models to provide a clearer picture of what will happen, and that might not be until Monday and Tuesday’s mountain snowstorm moves through.
As of Monday afternoon, models suggested light accumulations of snow through Saturday. Areas that have the best chances for lowland snow include higher elevations and foothill communities and areas further south.
What is certain is that temperatures will be unseasonably cold through the second half of the week. Highs are expected to be in the high 20s to low 30s with morning low temperatures around 20 degrees Friday through Sunday.