Early Signs For Snow & A Lot More Rain: Seattle Area Forecast

SEATTLE — Puget Sound is in for another stormy end to the week before the coldest temperatures of the season arrive, bringing along a small chance for some early November snow at lower elevations.

The National Weather Service is tracking an atmospheric river that forecasters expect will pour over Western Washington from Thursday evening through the weekend, dumping two to three inches of rain across the interior by Saturday evening. Widespread rain and strong winds are in the forecast Friday and Saturday, with some area rivers like the Skykomish potentially reaching moderate flood stage.

While snow levels should stay above 6,000 feet Friday, they will likely drop to pass level throughout Saturday. The latest forecasts predict Snoqualmie and Stevens passes will pick up 6 to 10 inches of snow by early Sunday. From there, things could get even more interesting.

"As colder air moves into the area, temperatures area wide are going to drop, with the coldest temperatures of the season (thusfar) expected," wrote Mary Butwin, a meteorologist at NWS Seattle. "Low temperatures in the upper 20s to mid 30s and highs in the low to mid 40s are expected for the low elevation areas. Temperatures will be slightly warmer directly near the area waters."

Though there is plenty of uncertainty left in the forecast, snow levels may tumble below 1,000 feet early Sunday and Monday, which could bring the first taste of winter to the foothills — or even the lowlands.

"With colder air and moisture still lingering around, there is the potential that some areas see snow falling early Sunday and Monday mornings," Butwin said. "However, confidence is low as it will be very dependent on how quickly the moisture moves out of the area and how quickly cold air moves in. Currently we do not foresee accumulations below 1,000 feet."

The National Weather Service will share updated probabilities on next week's temperature and snow probabilities in the coming days.