Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day: 0745 Friday

The Snapshot: A sunny and warm day in store for Friday, increasing clouds and light rain/snow Saturday.

The Science: A high pressure ridge is positioned over the Washington coast this morning. This feature should give the PNW a nice dose of sunny spring weather for most of Friday. High clouds in advance of the next warm front will start to move in Friday night. Light rain will start Saturday morning, tapering down midday after the warm front passes. When the trailing cold front moves across the crest Saturday night there will be a period of renewed light showers, hopefully in the form of snow. Sunday will bring temperatures near seasonal norms, possible light snow showers, and partly cloudy skies.

The Long Range: After a low pressure trough moves through on Sunday, high pressure rebuilds Monday and Tuesday with partly cloudy skies likely and freezing levels bouncing between 3000-5000’.

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = 0 snow = 0 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .25-.5  snow = 2-4” Trend and Timing: Dry all day Friday, light precip starting as rain Saturday morning, then turning to light snow by Sunday morning.

24hr temperature ending at 4am:  Low: 25   High: 40 Freezing level: 3,000’-6500’ Trend and Timing:    Temperatures rapidly increasing Friday midday, gradual cooling overnight.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am: Base: Variable 0-5 Ridge Top: W 5-10, then WSW 15-20 Trend and Timing: Light winds most of Friday, increasing overnight as the next front approaches.