MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0700 Wednesday

The Snapshot: Snow and wind today, snow tapering to showers tonight, light snow with sun breaks tomorrow, more snow on Friday and Saturday.  Much cooler and dry for the start of next week.

The Science:  The advertised storm arrived right on time with around 2” of snow thus far this morning. Once the approaching occluded front passes east of the mountains, the winds will shift westerly and strengthen.  The snow should be consistent with good upslope orographics through the day. The Puget Sound Convergence zone will likely be south of Stevens.   The snow will begin to diminish tonight as an upper-level ridge between storms moves in.  Therefore, expect light snow with partial clearing to greet the day tomorrow.  

The Long Range: A progressive warm front enters the region on Friday.  Heavy precipitation (snow) is expected for the weekend.  A cold dry air mass fills in behind the weekend storm that will likely produce the coldest temperatures of the season thus far.  There is another storm in the works for the middle of next week.    

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .75  Snow = 5-8 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .24  snow = 1-3 Trend and Timing: Snow will be consistent through the day and turn to light showers overnight.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:                                        Low: 27    High: 32 Freezing level: +-4000’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels will remain around 4000’ with normal night time cooling.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base: 0-10 W Ridge Top: 10-15 W gusty Trend and Timing: The wind will shift westerly and strengthen this morning.  Watch for ridge top winds with gust +25pmh at times.

jM