Dangerously cold temperatures headed for Tacoma, Western Washington, forecasters say

The National Weather Service warned of dangerously cold temperatures beginning Sunday night in Western Washington as frigid air from Canada moves into the region.

“By Monday, highs will be below freezing with low temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s (single digits in Whatcom County),” the weather service office in Seattle reported Saturday. “Very cold temperatures will impact vulnerable populations such as the homeless, pets, and those without adequate access to heating. People outside may suffer from frostbite and/or hypothermia. Exposed pipes may be damaged by freezing conditions. Sensitive crops/plants may be killed.”

The City of Tacoma will open a 40-bed warming center at the Lighthouse Activity Center at 5016 A St at noon Sunday, Dec. 26. It will be open until Sunday, Jan. 2, the city said.

Sunday’s high temperature in Tacoma was expected to reach only 30 degrees, with overnight lows dipping into the teens. That pattern was forecast through Wednesday morning.

Light snow also was in the forecast for much of the region through Sunday.

“No big snow producer is expected at this time; snow accumulation would likely occur within waves of light precipitation,” the weather service said. “It is possible localized heavier banding and/or convergence could result in significant lowland snow accumulation.”

Snow was expected in the Cascades through Sunday morning.

More snow could be on the way to the lowlands by the middle of the week.

Wednesday’s forecast, according to the weather service: “Snow likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.”

This story was originally published December 25, 2021 at 8:52 AM.