As temperatures drop, will snow fall in Puget Sound next week? Here’s what forecasters say
Drier weather will be moving out over President’s Day weekend, with warmer temperatures sticking for longer in Tacoma and Olympia, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
NWS Seattle says a stronger weather system will impact the western Washington region Monday and Tuesday bringing breezy winds and heavy mountain snow.
Forecasters predict rapid cooling is expected to begin Tuesday with temperatures “well below normal” on Wednesday to Friday. The coldest temperatures are likely to occur Thursday and Friday mornings.
The colder temperatures will impact vulnerable populations. Sensitive crops and plants may be damaged.
The cold air is unusual for late February, the NWS stated.
Light lowland snow will become possible starting Tuesday night and continue through midweek.
NWS Seattle also predicted another system may bring slightly warmer temperatures and an additional chance for snow or a wintry mix next weekend.
The Puget Sound may get some rain Saturday afternoon with highs near 49 degrees, the NWS Seattle predicts. Sunday also has a small chance of rain with temperatures expected in the high 40s in Tacoma and Olympia.
According to the NWS, rain is expected to roll into the Puget Sound on Monday for the holiday. In Tacoma, there is an 80% chance of rain with less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation possible during the day and a 90% chance with a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain possible Monday night. Temperatures may hit 50 degrees. In Olympia, a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain is expected with a high near 49 on Monday. Rain will continue Monday night with a tenth to a quarter of an inch possible.
Rain is predicted for Tuesday with temperatures in the higher 40s in the Puget Sound. In Tacoma and Olympia, there is a slight chance of rain and snow Tuesday night as temperature hit the low 30s.
There is a chance of snow with a high near 38 on Wednesday in Tacoma and Olympia.
Forecasters predict Thursday will be partly sunny with a high in the mid-30s and a low around 20 that night.
There is a slight chance of snow with a high near 38 in Tacoma and Olympia on Friday.
This story was originally published February 18, 2023 at 1:08 PM.