The Cold/Snowy Period Reveals Itself

As we get closer to the big transition, more powerful and higher-resolution modeling tools become available.

So what do they say?  

Almost everyone will see some snowflakes, but for many in the lowlands, it will not add to much.

For the 36-h through 4 AM Saturday, the mountains will be hit hard by snow and NE Washington will get several inches as well.  Nearly no snow near sea level.

In contrast, the snowfall during the next 24-h (through Sunday at 4 AM) starts to spread into the lowlands, with three main foci (below).  One snow band extends westward across Bellingham and the San Juans.  A weaker band is found just north of Everett and some snow is found over the higher elevations between Olympic and Portland.

Not much over eastern Washington for that period.  Almost everyone in western Washington will see a few flakes in the air by this time.

The snow is not over yet.  During the next 24 hours (ending 4 AM Monday), the entire region will experience some snow showers, with heavier amounts near sea level over northwest Washington and over the mountains.

Not satisfied?   The subsequent 24 hours bring light snow over much of the region, particularly over the northern Washington coast.

Add it all up, and the total snowfall through Tuesday morning is impressive-looking (below)

 But never forget that total snowfall, is NOT snow depth on the ground...which is generally much less for many reasons.

Below is the predicted snow depth over the region on Tuesday morning.  Not much over the Puget Sound lowlands.  Sorry kids....no snow days this time for most of you.  But skiers should be very happy.

Finally, let's not forget the cold.  

This is going to be the coldest period of the year so far.

 Here in Seattle, highs will only reach the mid-30s, and lows well down in the 20s.   Cold enough to kill unprotected folks living outside.