The holiday season might be just getting underway, but a major cold snap is already here. Ski areas are opening across the region and forecasts are calling for the possibly of lowland snow early next week. Specifically, lowland snow in some areas on Tuesday morning.
But whether that will actually come to pass is still a big question.
“I wouldn’t be the house on it,” says KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass, “But I would be prepared, either way.”
Snow In The Mountains, Ski Areas Open
Mass points out there was quite a bit of snow in the mountains over the last week. Many locations in western Washington saw temperatures drop into the mid-20s, and in eastern Washington, even the teens.
“We’ve had a series of wet systems with modest temperatures that have allowed snow to accumulate above 4,000 feet,” said Mass.
That has enabled a number of ski areas to open, including Whistler in British Columbia and Mt.Baker, Northeast of Seattle. “And a few others [are] right on the margins,” Mass said. “So it’s been quite a good week for snow in the mountains.”
But the white stuff that gets so many people in the Northwest delightedly dusting off their winter sports gear and heading for the passes in some years never falls in the lowlands.
"It's kinda depressing for snow lovers, but it's and good for mayors," Mass says with a smile.
Warm Pacific Influence
So why is it so difficult for us to attain snow in lower elevations?
“Basically, it’s very easy for us to be wet and warm,” Mass explains. “The Pacific Ocean is pretty warm. During the middle of winter it’s about 50 degrees…Occasionally, we get offshore flow where we have cold air. But that offshore flow from the continent tends to be relatively dry and often sunny.”
He says in order to get snow, regional weather patterns have to both cold and wet at the same time.
“And that’s very difficult to mix the offshore cold air and the wet air coming in [in] just the right way [so] that we have moisture, but cold enough to snow.”
Forecast models show there’s a potential for that to happen on Monday into Tuesday, but Mass adds “it’s a little early to be sure about it.”
First, A Mild Weekend
At this point what’s more clear is the weekend forecast.
Mass says temperatures will only get into the upper 40s with sunny skies forecast throughout the weekend and no precipitation at all.
“Perfect for raking those leaves and cleaning gutters....or for outdoor recreation.” He says.
The weekly KPLU feature "Weather with Cliff Mass" airs every Friday at 9 a.m. immediately following BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KPLU Environment Reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to a podcast of “Weather with Cliff Mass” shows.
