Weather

Seattle Snow Possible Next Week As Temps Tumble: Puget Sound Forecast

Forecasters are increasingly confident in a stretch of cold weather next week, which could mean snow accumulations near sea level.

The odds are strongly in favor of Washington experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures next week, which could make for accumulating lowland snow.
The odds are strongly in favor of Washington experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures next week, which could make for accumulating lowland snow. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

SEATTLE — It's looking increasingly likely that Western Washington is in for a cold end to February, which may set the table for a good shot at low-elevation snow next week.

In the near term, the National Weather Service expects a few weak weather systems will move through the area through the weekend, bringing light rain showers across the lowlands and snow in the mountains.

Forecasters see a shift to a stronger pattern late Monday into Tuesday, and snow levels may dip near sea level not long after. While there are still some uncertainties in the early forecast, including how fast snow levels will drop, the National Weather Service said it looks increasingly likely that below-average temperatures will be in place through much of next week.

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"A cold upper trough will settle over the area later Tuesday and remain over the area into Wednesday," NWS Seattle said. "At the same time, low level flow will turn northerly and Fraser outflow is likely to develop. This will open the door for possible lowland snow. It is too far out to try and pinpoint snow amounts or anything like that but the potential for accumulating lowland snow certainly exists."

Early forecast models show the best chance for lowland snow arriving Tuesday night and Wednesday, as overnight lows dip into the low 30s and afternoon highs struggle to reach 40 degrees around Seattle.

Find out what's happening in Seattlewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

More details on the potential timing and amount of lowland snow to expect will be shared in the coming days.


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