Weather Synopsis for Thursday & Friday

Forecast updated 0740 to fix an issue with the snow levels.

An upper-level and surface low-pressure system spins along the Washington Coastline on Thursday, bringing low-density snow to most of our region. An associated frontal band of moderate snowfall stalls over the central Washington Cascades and northern Olympics through the morning hours, but precipitation should gradually taper as the day progresses. South of the front, light to moderate snow showers continue for the southern Washington Cascades and Mt Hood area. The heaviest snowfall will be associated with SE winds in the SE Olympics, where we expect another 8-12" of snow. Other favored areas include the southern Cascade Volcanoes and Wenatchee Mountains where we expect 4-8" of snowfall today.

The remains of the upper low move east through the Cascades overnight, with shower activity ending quickly for the central and northern Washington Cascades. Mostly light snow or snow shower activity continues, particularly for Mt Hood as a stationary front stalls over the area.

On Friday, a weak ridge moves into the region, bringing a mostly dry day with some high clouds although Mt Hood can expect lingering light snow early in the day. ESE ridgeline and gap winds increase into the moderate range, with strong gusts expected in the afternoon. Temperatures stay cold east of the Cascades but expect a strong warming trend for areas not exposed to the cooling effects of the E flow.