Last weekend, people grabbed T-shirts and shorts to enjoy a bit of summer weather. This weekend, they may want to dig out the hats, mittens and scarves.
Forecasters are calling for unseasonably cold temperatures, a chance of spring snow in the lowlands and winter conditions in the mountain passes.
“It’s April, but winter just isn’t letting go,” said Al Minerich, a state Department of Transportation spokesman. “Drivers heading over the passes this weekend should allow more time to get to their destinations and prepare for winter driving conditions.”
On Friday, there were reports of snow near Snohomish and Edmonds, said Johnny Burg, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Snow was falling steadily in Lake Stevens with more than an inch accumulated on the ground in some places. Snow also fell in Everett, particularly in the Eastmont neighborhood, said Bill Kummerle.
“We got pretty much an inch of snow out here,” he said.
Snow levels are expected to hover around 1,000 feet today and some flurries could reach sea level, Burg said.
“We’re not looking for any significant accumulation” in the lowlands, Burg said.
The mountain passes are a different story, where more than a foot of snow is forecast, he said.
Snow in late April is rare but not unheard of, Burg said.
Last year, more than 2 inches of snow fell as late as April 2 in many parts of Snohomish County.
In 1968, more than half a foot of snow fell in mid-April in Everett.
The existing record for late season snowfall in Western Washington was set in 1972 when trace amounts of snow were recorded at Sea-Tac on April 17, Burg said. That record could be broken if snowflakes fall at the airport today.
Sunday’s weather should bring drier conditions but overnight temperatures are forecast to remain cold.
A chance of showers is expected Monday and Tuesday and by mid-week, more seasonable temperatures should return, Burg said.
“After Wednesday, we begin to head back to normal,” he said.
Herald Writer Bill Sheets contributed to this report.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
