Most of Whatcom County missed out on the accumulation of snow that was forecasted for Thursday morning, Jan. 10, but it likely won't escape the bitter cold that's expected to blast the area into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Parts of Bellingham saw a burst of heavy snowfall at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday that left a dusting of white, but it cleared up by mid-morning. Previous forecasts had called for up to 2 inches of snow by morning, but above-freezing temperatures overnight meant that fell as rain instead.

Northern winds brought drier, colder air to the area Thursday night, and the frosty temperatures were expected to last through the weekend. Friday is expected to be mostly clear and cold, with highs in the mid-30s during the day and lows dropping into the mid-20s at night. Temperatures that cold mean that any moisture on the road will turn to ice.

The temperatures were cold enough to cause Interfaith Coalition to open its severe weather shelters Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

With highs in the mid-30s during the day Saturday, Whatcom County could get some snow, though any accumulation likely will be less than an inch, NWS meteorologist Johnny Burg said. The brunt of Saturday's system looks like it will strike toward Olympia and the coast.

Temperatures in the mid- to high 20s are forecasted for Saturday and Sunday nights before finally picking up to just above freezing Monday night.

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Reach Zoe Fraley at 360-756-2803 or zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com.