This week involves a total lunar eclipse in Western Washington during the night of Wednesday, March 13th. A total lunar eclipse is when the Earth moves directly in line with the sun and the moon, blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the moon. During this event, the moon takes on a deep red-orange often called a Blood Moon.
Total Lunar Eclipse – What Happens
During the evening of March 13th, the eclipse period starts near 10:10 PM as the Earth begins to move into front of the moon. Total eclipse is reached near 11:25 PM, reaching its maximum just before midnight. The total eclipse ends near 12:30 AM on the 14th and the partial eclipse finishes just after 1:45 AM.
The last lunar total eclipse in the region occurred on November 8, 2022. A significant and much more memorable total lunar eclipse happened on the night of January 31, 2018. This was the second full moon of the month, making it a ‘blue moon’, it was also a super moon, meaning the moon was closer to Earth in its orbit around the planet, and to top it off, it was also a total lunar eclipse. Some called this event a “super blue blood moon”.
Will The Weather Cooperate
The next question is – will this total lunar eclipse be seen? The best scenario to see this unique event will involve breaks in the clouds between scattered showers.
After a soggy weekend, Monday will involve decreasing lingering showers. Another Pacific weather system is on track to arrive and spread additional rain inland later Tuesday into Wednesday.
A cool unsettled air mass will follow this weather system, setting the stage for scattered showers and some breaks in the clouds that may permit viewing of the total lunar eclipse Wednesday night.
The scattered showers are expected to continue Thursday before another Pacific weather system spreads rain onshore Friday.
Temperatures this week are anticipated to be close to 5 degrees below mid-March average readings, with highs close to 50 degrees through Thursday, and then only in the 40s Friday. Lows will generally be cool, in the 30s to lower 40s.
More Mountain Snows
The cool conditions means mountain snow levels will remain below Cascade highway pass levels. Snow is expected above about 1500 to 2500 feet throughout the week. Motorists crossing the Cascades should be prepared for winter weather driving conditions.
During the course of the week, overall new snow amounts should rack up one to three feet with the higher amounts across the more elevated terrain like the volcanoes. This fresh snow should also help make up more ground on the currently below average mountain snowpack, good news for skiers as well as water supply and wildfire authorities.
With the change to Daylight Saving Time now in the rear view mirror, sunsets are now past 7 PM. Enjoy the longer daylight evenings, even if those hours may be wet.
