MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Wednesday

The Snapshot:  4”of snow fell overnight with light snow falling this morning.  A mixed bag of snow, rain, and other frozen types of precipitation will be possible today.  Passing snow showers with periodic clear periods expected Thursday through Sunday.   

The Science:  As a meteorologist, this is a fascinating weather event.  The whole system and all its complexities basically stopped its approach overnight.  The cold air and east/west pressure gradients are winning the battle so far.   The leading edge of the approaching warm front is currently positioned over Puget Sound and has been sitting there for the last 8 or so hours.

A few different things could happen today; the frontal system could just occlude and fizzle out, keeping light precipitation and the cold air in place.  The front could slowly move east with rising freezing levels and a chance of some rain still possible.  Either way, it appears that we have dodged the main rain bullet, maybe.  

Models have warm SW flow continuing today with freezing levels between 4000’ and 5000’.   A high pressure ridge forming over the interior coupled with the low-pressure system drifting south will begin to break up the moisture stream over the next few days.  Band of moisture with cooling temperatures will continue to bring periods of snow for the remainder of the week. Most of the energy is driving south into Oregon and Northern California with bands of moisture spinning north. 

The Long Range:   Typical PNW winter weather will continue with normal temperatures and bands of moisture moving into the mountain through the weekend.  

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .5-.75  Snow = 2-4 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .25 snow = 1-3 Trend and Timing: Mixed snow and rain today changing to snow showers for the remainder of the week.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low:  17   High: 30 Freezing level: 4000’-5000’ Trend and Timing:    High freezing levels with cold east flow influence today.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  0-5 E Ridge Top: 5-10 SSE Trend and Timing: Southerly flow aloft with east flow at the surface shifting more southerly through the day.

jM