MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0700 Monday

The Snapshot:  Colder temperatures with snow today,   Poof-da.

A drying trend begins tonight with more snow expected on Thursday and Friday.  The PNW snow machine continues to run through the weekend.

The Science:  This morning’s radar has snow showers falling over Puget Sound and should reach Stevens Pass by daylight.  Light snow will fall through the day as the approaching low-pressure cell tracks east over the next 8-12 hrs.   Temperatures will continue to fall as cold air from fills in on both sides of the Cascades Crest.  For you mountain weather geeks, this is referred to as the Frazer River Outflow.  Stevens Pass could see single digit low temperatures during early morning hours.

 A small high pressure cell that has formed offshore will bring and end to the snow tonight as it makes its way inland.  Therefore, expect a few days of dry and cold weather before the next systems approaches.   Strong east/west pressure gradients develop over the mountains so watch for strengthening east/offshore winds as the week progresses.

The Long Range:  Higher freezing levels with moderate precipitation will begin on Thursday.  Snow is likely to fall through the weekend under steady westerly flow.

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .25+ Snow = 2-5 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = 0 snow = 0 Trend and Timing: Snow showers tapering off after sunset.  Water content will be low due to the cold dry air aloft.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:                                        Low:  10   High: 22 Freezing level: +-500 - 0 Trend and Timing:    Temperatures will continue to fall.  Freezing levels could reach sea level early Wednesday morning.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  0-10 E Ridge Top:  5-15 E Trend and Timing: East flow will develop today and strengthen over the next 24-36 hrs.

jM