Major Changes in the Forecast for Tuesday Night

Major Changes in the Forecast for Tuesday Night

Temperatures are currently below freezing in all locations. That combined with light snow accumulations from last night and wet roadways means we have a messy morning commute in store for us. While most major highways seem to be mainly clear with the exception of pockets of black ice (especially on bridges!), side roads aren’t faring quite as well with compact snow and ice.


A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 10am for up to an additional inch of snow accumulation through the morning commute. Road conditions should improve a bit during the middle of the day once more plows can treat the roadways. However, temperatures will remain right around freezing so much of that ice will remain ice throughout the day. If you have to get out and about the side roads will be your biggest challenge.

Last nights snow might be considered a skiff compared to what could be in store tonight. I know that some of you might be thinking “say it aint snow?!” after the rest of this forecast, but we saw some major changes to the forecast overnight that point to a much snowier forecast for some tonight.

The catalyst of this event will be a warm front that will begin to move northward into the region this evening. Initially we were only seeing light snow accumulations in the models, but trends overnight rapidly increased totals. Right now models are depicting anywhere from 2-5″ of snow with this frontal band. Because of this, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for an additional 5″ of snow from King County northward.

It’s going to be a tricky forecast for many in central sound as models currently hold that warm front from Seattle northward. Right now it looks like Seattle southward could strike out on snow again. This forecast, just like Sunday night, will be rapidly changing. Because of this we will likely be doing a lot of radar nowcasting as conditions change. The NWS forecast this morning does a great job of highlighting the uncertainty zone in this setup.

If you live north of the Snohomish County line you have a much better chance of seeing 2-5″ of snow through tonight. North King county on the other hand may only see a couple of inches depending on where this rapid cutoff sets up.

This front will be moving in during the tail end of the evening commute so if you do have to head out to work today you should be okay for heading home. However, keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for a longer more treacherous commute home this evening. Stay safe and enjoy the snow!

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