Dry Thanksgiving possible after weekend of snow and heavy winds in the Cascades

High temperatures will near 50 degrees through Thanksgiving Day, with only a chance of rain expected throughout the week around Puget Sound.

After a fairly dry but chilly week in Western Washington, temperatures inched above the 50-degree mark Saturday. Overnight, it will dip to the mid-40s in the greater Seattle area, from Everett to Tacoma and Olympia, with rain all but inevitable, amounting to as much as a quarter of an inch.

It will get windy, the National Weather Service said — look out for gusts up to 24 miles per hour, especially along the Sound.

Rain will continue Sunday as temperatures dip after dusk into the 30s.

Looking at the short work week ahead of Thanksgiving, Monday will bring early fog chased by a bout of sunshine and another balmy 50 degree-high, followed by possible drizzles through Friday.

On Turkey Day, temperatures will once again near 50, hovering around 46 in Olympia, 47 in Tacoma, 48 in Seattle and 49 in Bellingham.

SNOW, WIND AT MOUNTAIN PASSES

Meanwhile, the mountains will see some snow this weekend.

NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for the Cascades in Pierce and Lewis counties, including Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park and Crystal Mountain Ski Area, starting at 10 p.m. Saturday night and lasting through Sunday at 4 p.m. above 4,000 feet.

Anticipated snowfall could hit between 4 inches and over a foot.

It will also be quite windy — up to 40 miles per hour, NWS said Saturday.

The snow and wind will likely cause “very difficult travel,” the agency wrote, urging caution when driving in those areas.

At Snoqualmie Pass, watch out for “a rain and snow mix” that will cause slippery road conditions Saturday night and all day Sunday. Accumulated snowfall is forecast between 5 and 10 inches.

A similar quandary is likely to affect Stevens Pass this weekend, with heavy winds up to 35 miles per hour and a few inches of snow.

“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while traveling,” NWS wrote in its advisory. “If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery.”

The upper slopes of the Cascades Crest in Eastern Washington are also likely to see snow nearing a foot, rendering travel “very difficult.” The surrounds of Mt. St. Helens should also expect intense winds up to 45 miles per hour. Power outages due to downed trees and other debris is possible, NWS said.

At least the mountains will get some fresh powder.