WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Computer weather forecast models are beginning to show the potential for snow, especially in the high elevations of the Cascades but also to some extent in the lowlands of Whatcom County and other parts of Western Washington.
A fairly strong front is expected to appear during this period [Saturday through Tuesday]With heavy rain in the lowlands, mountain snow and strong winds on Sunday in western Washington. The NBM suggests a roughly 40% chance of 12 inches of snowfall for Snoqualmie Pass and 80% for Stevens Pass during the 24-hour period ending at 0400 Monday. Onshore flow will then increase from Sunday night into Monday with cooler air aloft linked to the upper trough. Rainfall is also expected to become more intense overnight from Sunday into Monday, which could cause snow levels to fall towards the surface during this period, allowing at least a mix of rain and snow in lowland areas. Furthermore, the group's guidance indicates that another system could impact the area on Tuesday, but uncertainty increases into the middle of next week.
National Weather Service Seattle office (February 21, 2024)
The current short-term forecast, as of Wednesday, February 21, is for high temperatures in the lower 50s and low temperatures in the lower 40s. About 5 degrees warmer than average for this time of year.
But the long-range forecast calls for high temperatures to fall into the low 40s and lows to freezing late this weekend and into next week. The drop in temperatures is expected to accompany precipitation, increasing the possibility of freezing rain near sea level. The current forecast for western Whatcom County calls for a mix of snow and rain during the evening and early morning.
Confidence in the weather forecast decreases significantly after more than 3 days.
Whatcom News readers are encouraged to stay informedo Check out the current weather forecast for their specific locations via the Whatcom News Weather page.
