WeatherWatcher: Winter Freeze continues

After a morning low temperature of 22°F, a weak weather system has brought some light snow to Shoreline and Lake Forest Park as the arctic air holds its grip over the region. Most reports in exposed areas near hilltops have up to 1 inch of snow accumulation throughout Shoreline; other areas are a dusting to a half inch.

Forecast: Snow is expected to end by midnight, with generally about an inch or less expected as a total from this system. Temperatures will remain cold, lows Wednesday night into Thursday morning are expected to be in the mid 20's with clearing skies.

Thursday is expected to be sunny with highs reaching the mid-30's. Thursday evening is another cold one in the 20's.

Friday there is a new storm moving in, much stronger this time. Snow is expected to start in the afternoon and last into the evening. It may mix with rain or change over to rain after midnight. Winds are expected to pick up as well, with gusts possible to 45mph. Temperatures will be reaching the mid-30's once again.

Saturday the threat of snow returns to the forecast with more rain or snow likely. This is generally the forecast through Tuesday night. The models have been very inconsistent on this being a warm up to rain only or being snow only, which is why most forecasts now are calling for both.

No advisories or warnings have been issued at this time but I expect Friday to be a day where we could potentially get a winter weather advisory or warning issued as this next storm approaches.

For those curious on how unusually cold this second half of February has been, below is the daily high and low temperatures compared to average. Our high temperatures are near the normal low temperature for this time of year.

Long range forecasts indicate that this cold wet pattern trend could continue into the second week of March.

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com