Rain Ends Friday, Dry Weekend Expected & The Winter Outlook

 FastCast—Thursday, Nov. 18 to Monday, Nov. 22:

The first rain since the atmospheric rivers has moved through Western Washington since Thursday afternoon, with 0.2-0.7 inches of rain. Additional totals of up to 0.5” are possible through Friday morning. The biggest impact has been mountain snow. As of 8:25 PM Thursday, Snoqualmie Pass is closed both directions from North Bend to Ellensburg due to heavy snow and spinouts. No estimated reopening has been given at this time. Stevens, White, and Blewett Passes are also receiving heavy snow. Accumulations up to 8 inches are possible by Friday morning. Mostly dry weather is expected from midday Friday through Monday afternoon before the next rain arrives. Expect highs in the mid 40s to low 50s and lows in the mid 30s to near 40. 

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Rain moved into the Puget Sound area on Thursday afternoon, and steady rain continued through around 8 PM, totaling 0.2-0.75” around the region. The biggest impact from this system has been heavy mountain snow in the passes. Below is a WSDOT image from Snoqualmie Pass at 4 PM this evening.

Snow continued quickly after this, and by 6 PM, the pass was closed. As of 8:30 PM, I-90 both directions is closed from North Bend to Ellensburg, and will reopen at 12 AM Friday. 

Rain and mountain snow will continue through Friday morning. Expect up to 0.5 inches of rain and up to 8 inches of mountain snow.

Below is the Federal Way forecast from Weather Underground.

Expect rain ending by Friday morning. Friday will be cloudy, and clouds will decrease on Saturday, increasing again on Sunday and Monday. Rain arrives Monday and showers continue on Tuesday. More rain is possible in the extended forecast…so stay tuned! Expect highs in the mid 40s to near 50, and lows in the mid 30s to low 40s.

Recently, the NWS Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released their temperature and precipitation outlooks for December, January, and February. 

Below average temperatures and above average precipitation are expected. This is classic for a La Niña winter pattern. This generally means above average mountain snow and above average precipitation in the Lowlands. And yes…there is a higher potential for lowland snow…so stay tuned!