After a relatively benign weather period that has lulled the area in tranquility, Mother Nature will shake things up again.
The first in a series of potent weather systems was already beginning to spread into Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon today. This first front has already caused winds to increase along the Washington and Oregon coasts Saturday morning, with gusts to between 45 and 55 mph along coastal headlands and beaches are possible this afternoon and evening.
Rain will spread onto the coast this afternoon and early evening, then spread inland mainly in the evening hours. Snow levels will lower in the south Washington and north Oregon Cascades but remain just above the passes. Snow advisory amounts are possible at the higher elevations of the south Washington and north Oregon Cascades.
The front will move south late Saturday night and early Sunday, then lift back north Sunday afternoon and Sunday night as a warm front with another round of rain and rising snow levels.
The rainfall this weekend will be more than Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon has seen in a couple of weeks and will cause some river rises, but no flooding is expected.
Another potent front will approach Monday and move through Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon Monday night. This will produce more valley rain and possibly high wind along the coast Monday afternoon and Monday night. Snow levels will fall into the coastal mountains and Cascade foothills Tuesday. The associated cold upper level trough will then be over the area
through at least Wednesday and Thursday for more showers and rather low snow levels. The snow levels may possibly lower to around 1000 feet or so. Accumulations are not expected at the valley floor due to the low level wind flow being onshore.
Stay tuned for further updates and the latest forecasts as the weather turns more active, and as the timing and intensity of the expected systems becomes more certain. Those with travel plans over the Cascades should be prepared for wintry driving conditions developing.
