The active weather pattern that has been plaguing the Pacific Northwest with rain and mountain snow since the end of February will prevail for the first week of March.
During the first two months of the year, Seattle received nearly 150 percent of its normal rainfall, with Portland, Oregon, picking up about 0.50 of an inch more than normal during the same time.
None of the storms targeting the Pacific Northwest will be particularly strong this week, but forecasters say another 0.50 to 1 inch of rain could fall in Seattle by the end of the week.
The first system will quickly zip through Washington state and the higher terrain of western Montana and Idaho from later Monday into Monday night, with the second storm slated for later Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
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Both of these storms are expected to be of the nuisance variety, and snow levels in the Cascades should be above pass level.
Although a mix of rain and snow can fall on Interstate 80’s Snoqualmie Pass on Monday night and again on Tuesday night, temperatures should remain too high for any accumulation on the highway.
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A long fetch of warm and moist air coming into the region from the Pacific Ocean will be to blame for the lack of accumulating snow in all but the highest elevations of the Cascades.
Regardless, motorists traveling on I-5, I-80 and secondary roads should be prepared for reduced visibility and make sure to travel with caution on wet roadways to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
After a brief lull in the stormy weather later Wednesday into Thursday, yet another system will push onshore from Thursday night into Friday.
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This system will have more moisture to work with than the first two, and it will also draw colder air southward from western Canada and allow rain to change over to snow in the passes by Friday.
In addition, gusty winds of 20-30 mph will be quite common throughout the week, so travel delays and rough seas are also expected. Residents should allot extra time to get to and from work and school and be sure to grab the rain gear before heading out the door.
Although chilly air will continue to grip the Northwest during the upcoming weekend, an area of high pressure should put an end to the parade of storms bombarding the region for at least a few days.
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