A Pacific storm is set to sweep into the Pacific Northwest midweek, bringing a mix of steady rain, strong coastal winds and heavy Cascade snow that could snarl travel and briefly recharge mountain snowpack. Forecast discussions from National Weather Service offices in Seattle and Portland describe a stronger frontal system arriving Wednesday into Thursday, with widespread lowland rain and significant snowfall at Cascade passes. The timing and mix of hazards matter for commuters, mountain drivers and anyone planning early spring trips to the coast or high country.
Forecasters for northwest Oregon, southwest Washington and western Washington expect the system to be the most impactful through Thursday, with wind gusts strong enough to down small branches and snow totals high enough to create chain controls and slow traffic over key passes. While the event is short-lived, the combination of rain and snow comes as regional water managers continue to watch snowpack and runoff heading into the warm season.
Stronger front targets midweek
Forecasters in Portland state that a stronger frontal system is expected Wednesday through Thursday, bringing a broad shield of rain into northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, according to the Area Forecast Discussion AFDPQR. The same discussion notes that this system follows earlier, weaker disturbances and will carry more moisture and wind as it moves inland from the Pacific.
For western Washington, a separate Area Forecast Discussion issued by the Seattle office describes the same midweek front as the main weather driver, with a synopsis of increasing clouds, rain and wind as the boundary approaches, according to the AFDSEW product. That discussion, identified as KSEW 896 FXUS66 KSEW 311000 AFDSEW, frames the front as the key feature in the short-term forecast period.
Rainfall amounts from coast to interior
Rain will reach most lowland communities, but expected totals vary from the coast to inland cities. For western Washington, forecasters call for lowland rainfall of roughly 0.25 to 0.50 inches in the interior, with higher totals near the ocean, according to the Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Seattle WA. The same discussion indicates that coastal locations are expected to receive between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain as the front moves through…