The forecast continues to look increasingly wintry for southwest
Washington and northwest Oregon as we head into the Christmas
weekend and next week. While the details remain uncertain,
confidence is increasing that a prolonged period of below normal
temperatures will begin this weekend, lasting well into the next
week. Meanwhile, occasional precipitation will continue as weather
disturbances move onshore.
The combination of cold temperatures and occasional precipitation
raises the possibility of snow and ice for the lowlands as early
as Christmas Day. Latest indications suggest the air mass will
turn even colder next week, with forecast models suggesting a high
probability of accumulating snow reaching the lowest elevations
of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, including the
Interstate 5 and 84 corridors, as well as portions of the coast.
Finer details such as the timing of any snow threats, or snow
accumulations from any particular system, are impossible to know
at this point. The more important message at this time is that
anyone with travel plans for Christmas Eve through next week
should be prepared for winter travel conditions and be prepared
for delays. Even more so, routinely check the forecast at
weather.gov for the latest changes and updates.
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