From Sat, Jan 6, 4:16 AM PST To Sun, Jan 7, 4:00 AM PST

Special Weather Statement issued January 6 at 4:16AM PST by NWS Seattle WA

…AFTER A RELATIVELY MILD WINTER THUS FAR, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE COLDEST TEMPERATURES OF THE SEASON JANUARY 12-15, 2024…

An active weather pattern will continue to impact the region through at least the next week as a series of strong frontal systems bring additional rounds of lowland rain and mountain snow to Western Washington. Heavy snow will slowly decrease in intensity through the Olympics and Cascades this morning as snow transitions into snow showers. After a brief break Sunday into Sunday night, prolonged heavy snow is becoming increasingly likely Monday through Thursday as a series of systems move across the Pacific Northwest. Current forecast snowfall totals of 2 to 5 feet over 2000 feet will be possible through this timeframe.

Currently, there is a 50-80% chance for 48-hour snowfall totals in excess of 30 inches over the Cascades above 2500 feet, including Stevens and Snoqualmie passes. In addition, westerly winds will increase during this time, with gusts to around 40 mph and even higher over the high Cascades Tuesday with a 65% chance for peak wind gusts over 50 mph. Anyone with travel plans over the Cascade passes and/or through the rest of the Cascades and Olympic mountains will need to be well prepared for dangerous travel conditions due to a combination of heavy and blowing snow.

The potential also exists for much colder temperatures across Western Washington by the second half of the week as a much colder airmass settles into the Pacific Northwest. Uncertainty still exists in how cold this airmass will be with disagreement in how far south high pressure penetrates out of southern Canada.

Currently, there is a 50% chance for the low temperatures to drop below 20F Thursday night through Saturday night across the lowlands. After a relatively mild start to the winter season, these temperatures will come as a drastic change to many. While the details remain unclear, it is worth monitoring the forecast for potential changes and additional information over the next several days.

For more information about current conditions and forecasts, visit http://www.weather.gov/seattle.