Chance For Lowland Snow In Washington On Winter Solstice

SEATTLE — The first day of winter could bring a quick burst of lowland snow Monday afternoon as a cold front moves across Washington, but the odds of catching some flurries are still up in the air. No matter what happens, forecasters expect the Christmas week will kick off with a soaker before the sunshine returns.

If the snow does make it down to lower elevations, impacts are likely to be minimal, with no accumulation expected outside mountain passes, the Cascade foothills and the Port Angeles area, according to the National Weather Service. By early Tuesday, Stevens Pass could see another foot of snow, while Snoqualmie Pass is forecast to pick up 4 to 6 inches.

Seattle and Tacoma could log another 2 inches of rain by Monday night, which is likely to boost area rivers, but most should remain below flood stage, forecasters said.

The prolonged rain will increase the threat for isolated landslides, with the highest chances in the South Sound and central and southern Cascades, according to a special weather statement issued Sunday.

Southerly winds may kick up gusts up to 35 mph in some areas through Monday afternoon. The storm is forecast to taper off Monday night, welcoming partly sunny weather back through at least Christmas Eve. The late timing of clouds clearing Monday could make it a challenge to get a glimpse at the "Christmas star" in Washington as Jupiter and Saturn reach their nearest point since 1623.

The forecast calls for calm weather, with afternoon temperatures in the 40s and lows in the 30s, through Thursday, before a chance of rain returns Christmas Day.

Here is the 5-day weather outlook in the Seattle region:

Monday: 48°/39° (Heavy rain)
Tuesday: 44°/33° (Mostly sunny)
Wednesday: 43°/33° (Partly sunny)
Thursday: 45°/35° (Partly sunny)
Friday (Christmas): 46°/39° (Chance of rain)