The winter from hell just won’t let go.
A day too late to be an April Fools’ Day punch line, snow splattered portions of Snohomish County on Monday.
Yes, it snowed in April – a rare event, but not surprising around here, experts say.
Up to 2 inches of slushy snow fell in Arlington, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Stanwood, Snohomish, Monroe and Granite Falls on Monday. Four inches fell in Index and even more at Stevens Pass.
In the lowlands, it was too wet to cause problems on the main highways, but wet enough to soak through shoes.
All this after county residents suffered through a winter of snowstorms, floods and windstorms.
“Kind of like everyone else, we’re really anxious for spring to get here,” said Trooper Kirk Rudeen, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol. “Any time it wants to arrive will be fine by us.”
By midday, some, but not all, of the snow had melted.
“To get a little bit of snow (in April) is not uncommon,” said Johnny Burg, a National Weather Service meteorologist. “For it to stick on the ground and stay is uncommon.”
The forecast was for flower-wilting cold Monday night, with lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s, Burg said.
Springlike weather is expected to return today, however, along with rain showers – lots of rain showers.
The forecast is for normal highs of about 55 degrees in lowland cities over the next two days. After that, warmer days in the 60-degree range are expected through the weekend.
And that snow?
It’ll turn to rain, Burg said.
“The eight- to 14-day outlook is for above-normal temperatures and precipitation,” he said.
Interpretation?
“It looks to be warm and wet,” Burg said.
Hopefully there will be some sun breaks along the way, he said.
Monday’s snow mostly stuck to the grass, sneaking up on people who thought they could put their boots away.
“I can’t remember the last time we had snow in April,” Rudeen said. “I’m ready for the sunshine to return. I’ve had enough snow for the year.”
Burg said 8 inches of snow was recorded falling in Everett on April 12, 1968. He said trace amounts of snow are normal for the month.
Reporter Lukas Velush: 425-339-3449 or lvelush@heraldnet.com.
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