On Tuesday, Seattle saw clouds, cold air, and scattered showers, making the morning commute slick in spots. Temperatures were around 34°F at Boeing Field, with high humidity and visibility near 10 miles. Some showers briefly turned to wet snow, mainly over bridges and overpasses, so drivers and pedestrians were advised to watch for icy spots.
Advisories And Travel
The National Weather Service has a Winter Weather Advisory in effect through noon for the foothills of the Olympics, the Lake Crescent/US-101 corridor, the Lower Chehalis Valley, Southern Hood Canal and the Willapa and Black Hills, with localized snow amounts around 1 to 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Small Craft Advisories are posted for coastal waters and the Grays Harbor bar, with seas expected to build into the 10 to 13 foot range tonight. For background on the larger pattern and the weekend outlook, see our earlier forecast.
Showery, Hit-Or-Miss Snow Through Midweek
Hit-or-miss rain and snow showers are expected today and Wednesday, with daytime highs in the low to mid 40s and overnight lows dipping into the low 30s. In colder pockets, some of those showers may briefly deliver wet snow down to sea level. Precipitation chances hover around 30 to 50 percent on most days, and the heavier bands can briefly cut visibility and create slick spots on untreated surfaces. Mountain snow is expected to remain light through midweek, though moisture and southerly flow pick up again toward the weekend.
Commute And Boater Tips
If you are driving, slow down, leave extra following distance, and be especially cautious on bridges, elevated ramps and overpasses where brief icing is most likely. Transit riders should plan for slower trips when heavier showers move through. If you have coastal outings on the calendar, consider postponing them while Small Craft Advisories are in effect, and check marine forecasts before heading out. Anyone traveling over the mountain passes should carry traction devices and an emergency kit, and check WSDOT and NWS updates before hitting the road.
