FastCast—Thursday, Mar. 2 to Sunday, Mar. 5:
March has begun, and that means the beginning of meteorological spring. However, it won’t feel at all like spring. A system will move through on Thursday, bringing significant mountain snow, with 10-14” at Snoqualmie Pass and up to 2 feet at Stevens & White Passes. This system will also bring gusty winds of 30-40 mph for the lowlands, and stronger (40-50 mph) for areas from Everett northward. In the lowlands, expect 0.2-0.3” of rain, with 1-1.5” on the coast, and 0.5-0.75” from Olympia to Portland. More rain is possible on Friday, with lingering mountain snow showers as well. Conditions turn more uncertain and colder this weekend. Marginal lowland snow chances exist on Saturday, with low temperatures by Sunday morning possibly reaching the low to mid 20s. Stay tuned, as interesting weather keeps on coming!
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An interesting start to March is ahead for Western Washington. One of the biggest threats will be heavy mountain snow from late Wednesday night to Friday evening, mainly showery from midday Thursday onward. The European model forecast for snow is below.
Through Friday evening, expect 12-24” of snow at the passes, most at Stevens (18-24”), with Snoqualmie Pass likely picking up 10-14”. The Coast Mountains of Washington and Oregon will pick up 2-6”, and heavy showers in the lowlands could bring brief rain/snow mix or snow pellets.
Thursday will also be windy, especially in the North Sound. Below is the European model forecast for peak gusts on Thursday morning.
Expect winds gusting 30-40 mph for the lowlands and 40-50 mph for the North Sound. Winds will likely be strongest Thursday morning.
Rain is also expected at times through Friday evening, as seen in the European model forecast below.
Expect 0.2-0.4” of rain for the lowlands, with 0.5-0.75” from Olympia to Portland, and 1-1.5” on the coast.
Looking into the extended forecast, a significantly colder than normal start to March is expected. Below is the NWS Climate Prediction Center outlook for temperatures from March 7-11 (next week).
This forecast shows a 70-90% probability of below average temperatures for the Pacific Northwest through the first full week of March.
For a sample of what could potentially be ahead, take a look at the European model’s forecast for Sunday morning lows.
If you believe this forecast, most of the lowlands will have temperatures in the 20s, with many areas away from the water in the low to mid 20s…quite cold for March!
Stay tuned, as colder weather and potential marginal lowland snow are still ahead.
I'm waiting for 60 degrees in March, doesn't sound like we will see that yet.
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