MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0930 Saturday

 

The Snapshot:  The Puget Sound Convergence Zone strikes again, almost a foot a new snow in the past 24hrs. Nice.  Today will warm up again with another round of rain changing to snow overnight.  Monday morning will be a great time to throw on the board(s) with a foot of new snow and low temperatures possible.

 

The Science:  This morning’s radar has scattered showers moving through the region ahead of the approaching frontal system.  This frontal system is a triple point which means the usual warm front followed by a cold front.  We all know the drill by now, warming temperatures with rain then cooling with snow.  Snow tomorrow with falling temperatures.    

 

4-7day Long Range: Next weeks models are changing, the previous high pressure ridge is now sagging south.  This may allow cool NW flow and periods of snow throughout the week.  Confidence is still low with inconsistent model runs – so stay tuned.    

Precipitation: Water by 4am =.5  Snow = 1-3 24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow = .75 24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow =  4-6   Trend and Timing: There will be a brief period of snow this morning push ahead of the warm front. (temperature compression Drew) Light scattered rain showers can be expected this afternoon.  Rain enters the mountains tonight and then slowly turns to snow during the early morning hours tomorrow.  Moderate snow continues through the day tomorrow.   Snow totals by early Monday morning could exceed 12”.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:  Low: 28   High: 44 Freezing level: 4000’    6000’    Trends and Timing Freezing levels will rise to 6000’ this afternoon and then fall back down to 4000’ after midnight tonight.  Temperatures will continue to decrease into Monday.

Winds (mph) Base: 0-10 WSW Ridge Top: 5-15 SW   Trend and Timing:  Winds shouldn’t be too much of a factor with this frontal system. General flow is WSW today shifting more westerly tomorrow.