A Sudden Blanket Over Familiar Terrain (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Western Washington – Residents in the North Puget Sound region awoke to a light dusting of snow on Saturday morning, marking the season’s first notable lowland accumulation from an uncommon weather mechanism.
A Sudden Blanket Over Familiar Terrain
The snowfall caught many off guard as it delivered trace amounts to about an inch across parts of Snohomish County and nearby areas late Friday evening. This event stood out because it stemmed from a distinct atmospheric setup rather than the more predictable winter patterns. Weather radar captured a narrow band of precipitation stretching northwest to southeast, beginning near Sequim and pushing into the Cascades. Heavy pockets within this band led to the modest snow totals, transforming a typically rainy night into a wintry scene. Temperatures hovered just above freezing, which limited the snow’s extent but allowed it to stick in cooler spots.
Local reports confirmed the precipitation’s intensity, with some locations recording over an inch of liquid equivalent in a short time. The band remained well-defined, sparing broader regions while focusing its effects on the northern lowlands. This precision highlighted the event’s localized nature, affecting travel and outdoor plans in isolated communities.
Deciphering the Classic Versus the Unusual Convergence
Convergence zones play a key role in western Washington’s weather, but this instance diverged from the norm. The standard Puget Sound convergence zone arises when northwesterly winds from the Pacific curve around the Olympic Mountains and collide over the sound, lifting air and generating clouds and rain. That setup often produces persistent bands of weather across central areas. However, Friday’s snow involved a different dynamic, pulling from straits to the north…