Pacific Northwest Gets Week Off to Stormy Start with More on the Way

A pair of storms is delivering widespread rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest this week. Read on for the details about the potent duo of weather makers.

Pattern of Calm Weather Comes to an End in the Pacific Northwest

It had been a fairly benign few days for the Northwest, however, that all began to change on Sunday afternoon when a storm moved into the region from the Pacific Ocean. The system arrived right on time as this is the time of the year when the moisture machine typically picks up across this corner of the country.

While it was a snowy and rainy week for the Rocky Mountain region and parts of the Plains states, the Northwest had been largely spared the wrath of Mother Nature. Until now.

Snow levels will start out high with the first blast of wintry weather for the Cascades. These snow levels will begin to fall throughout the day Monday, however, it is likely that the white stuff will remain above pass level for the roads that traverse the Cascade Mountains, staying over 4,000 feet for the most part.

There is a chance that a wet snow may fall at times over Snoqualmie Pass over Interstate 90 about an hour east of Seattle. There is also the chance that some snow may mix in with the rain over Stevens Pass located in the central part of the Evergreen State. Motorists will want to exercise caution when headed out on the roadways.

The rain and the snow will push to the east of the Cascades and into California throughout the day Monday. However, the line of moisture will likely stop in western Montana to start the work week. The snow could creep as far to the south and the east as the western half of Wyoming and the northeastern corner of Utah by late Monday night.

Measurable snow is not forecast to accumulate at pass level at this time. But forecasters are warning that windy conditions could create blowing snow on the roadways. The high winds may also present issues for the coastal area as the storm blows in from the Pacific.

Tuesday will bring a calmer day as the moisture and winds weaken. However, those in Seattle and Portland should prepare for some lingering rain showers and breezy conditions to start the day.

Details of Second Storm System

The respite from the moisture will be brief as more rain and snow is on tap for late Tuesday and into Wednesday. The moisture associated with this second system of the week will not have as much energy to track farther inland when compared with the Monday event.

Both systems will deliver significant rainfall for the coastal region. Rain as high as 3 to 4 inches are in the forecast for the Olympic Mountains. The major metro areas of Seattle and Portland will see 1 to 2 inches of rain out of this weather maker.

The moisture machine will pick up intensity late Tuesday in the Seattle area. The Emerald City is forecast to see a half of an inch of rain in the overnight hours and into Wednesday. Another quarter of an inch is in the forecast for Wednesday in Seattle. Light scattered rain showers will continue on Thursday with a brief drying out period on the horizon to close out the work week. Highs will hover in the low to mid 50s during this time with overnight readings slipping just a few degrees into the upper 40s.