EVERETT, MARCH 17: Spring begins early on Thursday morning near 2 AM, but winter does not plan to give up without resistance. In the waning days of winter, the persistent cool wet weather is expected to continue through this week.
Lingering showers with some sunbreaks will be the rule Monday. Tuesday is expected to be the driest day of the week as higher pressure aloft quickly moves across the region.
The next in a series of Pacific weather systems will spread rain onshore Wednesday. Showers and sunbreaks will follow on Thursday before yet another weather system moves ashore for more rain Friday.
Temperatures this week will run about 5 degrees or so cooler than mid-March averages. Highs across much of the North Sound will struggle to top 50 degrees while lows are forecast to range from the 30s to lower 40s. The average high temperature this week is in the mid-50s.
The Everett Post Weather page features a 7-day forecast for the latest updates.
The Mountains
The cooler than average temperatures means mountain snow levels will be below the passes. Periods of snow are expected through the week above between 1500 and 2500 feet. Heavier snow amounts can be anticipated Wednesday and Friday with totals through the week ranging from a foot to two feet. Motorists driving across Cascade pass highways should be prepared for winter weather driving conditions.
The additional mountain snow will continue to help cut into the snow deficit. Recent snows have helped boost the snowpack now ranging from 75 to 100 percent of average, and the water in the snowpack has bumped up to 70 to 100 percent of normal.
The Spring Equinox
The spring equinox will occur at 201 AM Thursday morning. Days are gaining about 3 and a half minutes per day. Monday also marks the number of daylight hours will rise above 12 hours for the first time this year. By late June when the summer solstice occurs, daylight hours will reach the year’s high point at near 16 hours.
The calendar says spring begins on Thursday this week. The weather though points to a winter season hangover. Those growing longer days will eventually produce warmer drier conditions if our patience can hang in there.
