3/23/08 WEATHER

3/23/2008 Weather Discussion: Seems like winter is making a stand. A snowy windy night is in store for the Pass tonight. Monday will bring a brief dry period before the next system heads in for Tuesday evening. Long-term models show a cool northwest flow driving a series of winter storms into the Cascades through most of next week. Seems like January. Forecast from Sunday 4pm to Monday 4am Precipitation .5 - .75 in. Water 4-8 in. Snow Temperatures Low 24 High 30 Winds 10-20 W Gust 40 Forecast for Tuesday 4am to 4pm Precipitation .25 in. Water 1-3 in. Snow Temperatures Low 22 High 30 Winds 5-10 W tapering TRENDS AND TIMING Precipitation: A lull is expected this afternoon before a Puget Sound Convergence kicks in bringing a period of moderate snow to the Pass overnight. Snow should change to shower tomorrow morning and then eventually taper off through the day. Snow will return late Tuesday. Freezing levels: Freezing levels will creep up to 3500’ today but should rapidly fall after 4pm. Freezing levels will drop to 1000’ or lower tomorrow morning. Freezing levels are expected to remain low through the middle of next week. Winds: Strong westerly winds will develop this afternoon as the leading edge of the cold front hits the mountains after 4pm. A Puget Sound Convergence will help produce steady westerly winds for most of the night. Winds should ease after 4am tomorrow morning. Could see gust over 40mph. jdm