NORTH SOUND, FEB. 5: The cold weather is forecast to continue through the coming weekend and well into next week. The question is – will there be more lowland snow and icy roads?
The upper-level low-pressure system that has been off the coast this week circulating bands of snow showers into the North Sound is anticipated to finally move inland Thursday, but not before pivoting at least two more bands of snow through the region. The first band is forecast late Wednesday, Feb. 5 with another band of showers rolling through the night into Thursday morning.
New Snow Accumulations
Once again, snow accumulations will vary from one location to another in the North Sound, with up to two inches or so of new snow expected through Thursday morning. Temperatures overnight and Thursday morning will again dip below freezing in the 25 to 30-degree range, meaning roads will likely be slick.
Emerging Sunshine But Cold Nights
Sunshine is forecast to appear later Thursday with high temperatures edging close to 40 degrees. The clearing skies Thursday night will allow radiational cooling for a quite cold night. Low temperatures will likely drop into the teens and 20s across the region. At least the strong northeast wind blowing out of the Fraser River Canyon north of Bellingham will ease.
Friday, Feb. 7 should offer a break in the weather with more sunshine yet still cold temperatures. Highs will again struggle to even reach 40 degrees with lows Friday night down into the 20s.
The Weekend
Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather pattern will offer more clouds and a threat of more light and spotty snow showers on both days. High temperatures will rise above freezing climbing near 40 while lows will generally be in the 20s.
Expect overnight and morning icy conditions on roadways, particularly on neighborhood and side streets through the weekend.
If planning to enjoy the snow in the mountains, there has been some fresh snow since last weekend. Both Stevens Pass and Mount Baker have had about one foot of new snow since the start of the month.
Will It Warm Up?
When will this cold snap and threat of lowland snow end? If longer range weather charts are on track, not much relief is anticipated through next week including Valentine’s Day. The outlook maintains good odds on cooler-than-average temperatures and tips the odds on wetter-than-average conditions. At least the outlook bodes well for helping build the mountain snowpack!
In the meantime, bundle up, enjoy the snowfall and the peeks of sunshine. Avoid driving unless it is necessary and safe to do so.
