More snow may fall on parts of Whatcom County before Christmas

Areas of Whatcom County could continue to get some snow before Christmas Day, but the possibility of a white Christmas in Bellingham remains slim.

Snow fell on parts of southern Whatcom County, around Lake Samish, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg said there were traces of snow in the Maple Falls area as well. Others reported snow falling around Yew Street Road.

Overnight lows Wednesday were expected to be in the low to mid-30s, Burg said, and Whatcom County residents who live in elevations above 500 feet may wake up to a few inches of snow on Christmas Eve. It is likely, however, that much of that snow will melt once temperatures warm up Thursday.

In Bellingham, there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation Christmas Eve, but little snow accumulation is expected since high temperatures will be around 42, according to the National Weather Service. Drier air and colder temperatures will move into the area by the evening, with the low Christmas Eve around 29 degrees.

Burg said there may be some lingering moisture in the cold air Thursday night, and it’s possible that some snow could fall in the lowlands before Christmas Day. The high temperature on Dec. 25 is forecast in upper 30s with mostly sunny skies.

The National Weather Service defines a white Christmas as having 1 inch or more of snow on the ground. The NWS forecast, as of Wednesday night, says less than half an inch of new snow is possible in Bellingham during the hours leading up to Christmas morning.

The North Cascades, meanwhile, could get up to 7 inches of snow by the end of the night Wednesday, Burg said.

Mt. Baker Ski Area, which is open through the holidays, expects excellent conditions over the next few days, according to its snow report.

This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 8:15 AM with the headline "More snow may fall on parts of Whatcom County before Christmas."