EVERETT — School districts in Snohomish County closed for a third straight day Thursday as Everett and the surrounding area flirt with what could be a record cold overnight low Friday.
Of course, that depends on what unofficial record you believe.
As of Thursday afternoon, a cold weather advisory remains in place for Everett and surrounding cities along the Puget Sound.
From Seattle to the south to Sedro Woolley to the north, the low will range from 15 to 20 degrees Friday morning. Bothell, Marysville, Edmonds and Lynnwood are included in the advisory.
Everett could see a low of 23 Friday, 3 degrees higher than the record low of 20 set at Paine Field on Feb. 7, 2014, said Jake DeFlitch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Complicating matters is the weather service archives also showing a low of 7 degrees set in Everett on Feb. 7, 1936.
For the record, the weather service doesn’t consider either reference official. Because it came from a weather station at Paine Field, DeFlitch said he would give more weight to the 20 degree mark in 2014.
Will Everett break that mark on Friday? Possibly, DeFlitch said, depending on how quickly snow clouds give way to clear skies as expected.
“It wouldn’t say it’s likely but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.” DeFlitch said.
Either way, expect it to be colder than normal Friday, a trend that will likely continue into next week. Everett could see rain and snow showers with lows in the 20s, or possibly into the teens.
“It doesn’t seem like were going to escape it, at least for the next seven days,” DeFlitch said.
Six cold weather shelters are available across the county.
The cold comes as Everett residents woke up to a fresh round of snow Thursday morning. It was enough for colleges and schools to cancel programs and classes for a third straight day.
Because of the snow, Snohomish County road crews shifted to a 24/7 winter storm response. Road crews have been plowing and treating roadways around the clock until conditions improve, a press release said. On Wednesday, 27 trucks were treating county roads with plows, sand and salt, the county said.
“With the snowy morning conditions and freezing temperatures overnight, we anticipate we’ll continue to see icy roads. With continued plowing and sand application, we should see improved traction,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Drivers, as always, need to be especially cautious on hills, curves, when crossing bridges and at intersections.”
Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; michael.henneke@heraldnet.com; X: @ihenpecked.
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