January 26, 2021

Forecast: January 26th, 2021

By Calen Randall

It is chilly out there, Huskies!

The hummingbirds outside your window are probably chattering about the frozen hummingbird feed and the early-budding plants in your yard are realizing that winter is not quite over yet. With Seattle temperatures in the mid 30s and some regions outside the city dropping to below freezing, watch out for black ice and slippery roads this morning.

Whether you have been crossing your fingers in hopes of a 2021 Seattle snowfall, or just want to avoid the snowy weather, most of us can agree, the sunrise was quite beautiful this morning. Even Mount Rainier made a guest appearance on the Space Needle panocam!

With about a month to go in our snow season, snow fans are holding out hope for some extra chilly air from Interior British Columbia. Though our air has been cool and recent systems have brought necessary moisture to the area, those sub-freezing temperatures just have not been in the cards….yet. A chance of snow remains tonight, but the atmosphere must play its cards right for any Seattle snow to be in sight.

The two main factors necessary for lowland snow are chilly continental air and ample moisture. The right combination can be tricky, as most of our moisture comes from onshore flow (air coming from the ocean), while those chill temperatures occur from offshore flow (air flow from the interior). Currently, we are experiencing a mix of both, with offshore flow helping temperatures drop into the low 30s and onshore flow to the south directing a cold front into the area. Currently the front is centered just offshore, but it is expected to weaken as it travels eastward tonight, so even if it does snow, do not expect a dumping. Even the more ambitious models are not calling for more than a few tenths of snow over the next couple days. January showers seem far more likely tonight.

Regardless of the lowland snow outcome, snow levels will drop tonight, which is good considering how most of the snowpack this year is above 4,000’ feet. Snow should reach elevations as low as 500-1,000’, so areas like Hood Canal and Whatcom could see some snow.

All the offshore flow from the interior will lead to another Pacific Northwestern weather phenomenon tonight, Cascadia Winds! The easterly gusts are currently weak, but offshore flow will push wind gusts into the 40+ mph range for regions like North Bend and Maple Valley starting late this afternoon and into the night. If you are driving through the pass tonight be cautious, you will surely feel them!

It is already week four! Goodluck on any midterms, and enjoy your week, Huskies!

Reach forecaster Calen Randall at theuwdawgcast@uw.edu. Twitter: @Wx19Calen.

CURRENT RADAR	THE MOUNTAIN IS “OUT”