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Sorry, Skiers: After Recent Cold Snap, A 'Boring' Weekend Forecast

Rob McNair-Huff

Our drier-than-usual fall is coming to a mild end as we return to the "old boring stuff," says KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass.

And that means a relatively dry weekend that’s much warmer than the last.

Some Clouds, A Few Showers, ‘Little Bit Of Fresh Snow’

The weekend will bring no snow, some rain and cloudy skies with highs in the 40s, says Mass, who teaches atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington.

"We have some low clouds over us, some very shallow showers over the lowlands, and a little bit of snow over the mountains, but nothing very serious today," he said on Friday.

On Saturday, a weak front will move in from the north," and "for most of western Washington, it's going to be dry at least until dinner time,” said Mass. “So if you're on the north coast or up in Bellingham, you'll see the clouds and maybe showers coming in the afternoon.”

Up in the mountains, Mass expects “a little bit of fresh snow,” especially by Mount Baker later in the day. 

On Sunday, we'll be back to “the old boring stuff,” says Mass, with some clouds, a few showers and a little more snow in the mountains.

Perhaps Too Boring for Skiers

Bottom line for snow bunnies: there's not much in the way of new snow, and it's uncertain whether many local ski areas will be able to open for the Christmas break. 

Right now, Snoqualmie Pass is not open for skiing, with only 9 to 10 inches of snow there, and there’s no guarantee they'll get much more in the next week or two, says Mass.

And the powder at Stevens Pass is marginal, too, with 27 to 28 inches.

"Only the higher peaks, like Mount Baker and Crystal have a good amount of snow [for skiing],” said Mass (see detailed ski report).

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The weekly KPLU feature "Weather with Cliff Mass" airs every Friday at 9 a.m. immediately following BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KPLU Environment Reporter Bellamy Pailthorp. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to a podcast of “Weather with Cliff Mass”shows.

 
 

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.