WeatherWatcher: snow in the forecast

• Burn Ban status.
• Winter weather this weekend.
• Winter weather next week.
• The bottom line.

Burn Ban Stage 1:

A stage 1 burn ban is still in effect. However the air quality is expected to improve after midnight tonight, so I believe the burn ban will be lifted by tomorrow afternoon. For more information check out the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. 

Winter weather this weekend:

Most forecasters are leaning towards a snow event starting Saturday afternoon and lasting at least through Tuesday, maybe longer. Cold air is going to start flowing down behind a cold front Saturday afternoon, however there will not be enough moisture for a wide spread event, there will be hit or miss showers, and a possible convergence zone band. Accumulations through Sunday night are expected to be 0-2 inches, except locally higher if the Puget Sound Convergence zone develops, it could possibly move over Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, if it does, we could maybe see up to 6 inches or more. However it is a big if, and there is a great deal of uncertainty with this event.

Next week:

A lot of forecast models are being inconsistent for next week. Some point to a change back to rainy weather starting Tuesday evening, however others point to a snowy pattern lasting beyond the 5 day forecasts. Meteorologists are talking about a storm track that depending on exactly where it goes, could make the difference between a series of snow storms, or a series of regular pacific northwest rain storms. It's all dependent on exactly how far south the main track flows for the next week and beyond, and normally it is very predictable, however for the next couple weeks there is a huge deal of uncertainty.

The bottom line:

No winter weather advisories have yet been issued, or storm warnings, however please be prepared for winter weather. Conditions are "ripe" for a series of snow storms to hit our region, especially if we get convergence zone systems set up over North King and South Snohomish County's. Shoreline and Lake Forest Park could easily get hit locally hard by this one. Neighborhoods close to the Puget Sound and Lake Washington may not see as much snow as the hills as both bodies of water right now are still warm. I will continue to provide updates as this situation develops.

For information and tips on winter weather preparedness for Western Washington, check out the Take Winter by Storm website. 

Carl's Shoreline Weather Station