Western Washington to see a mix of winter weather this week, more lowland snow possible

After several days of blistering cold temperatures and heavy snowfall in many areas, the lowlands of Western Washington should see more mild winter weather conditions this week, but those conditions may be short-lived.

The National Weather Service in Seattle said snow is likely Monday night through Tuesday morning, especially in eastern areas of the Puget Sound, but it said significant accumulation in the lowlands is unlikely. The region will likely see heavy rain showers until Tuesday night. Daytime temperatures will oscillate between the lower 30s and 40s.

We should also see a break in precipitation Tuesday night through Wednesday evening, when a warmer front is expected to move into the area. Daytime temperatures will be in the high 30s for most of the region Wednesday.

Wednesday night is when things may begin to get a little interesting.   

The weather service said “confidence is growing” for a significant snow event in Whatcom County and for those living in the foothills of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Whether that happens depends on temperatures. If they remain below freezing through Thursday, the precipitation expected to move into those areas could become an “overrunning snow event.”

The weather service says “snow cannot be ruled out” for the rest of the region Thursday, but meteorologists seem doubtful those areas will see anything significant.

The mountains will see significant snowfall during this time. A winter storm warning is in effect along Snoqualmie Pass until 4 p.m. Monday, with up to a foot of snow expected by Tuesday morning. Snowy conditions will likely continue until at least Wednesday night.

Last week, the region saw lingering frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall in many areas. In Seattle, many public services were not available for several days as a result.