Snow in the Whatcom forecast as holidays, first day of winter approach
Snow is likely in Bellingham and the Whatcom County lowlands as a storm arrives just as arctic air is sweeping Northwest Washington.
At least an inch of snow is likely in Whatcom County on Sunday, Dec. 18, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service in Seattle Friday afternoon, Dec. 16.
In addition, gusty winds from a Fraser outflow are possible Sunday, especially in northwest Whatcom County, said Trent Davis and Kayla Mazurkiewicz in the online forecast discussion.
Environment Canada is predicting snow or a chance of flurries Sunday night in Abbotsford, across the U.S.-Canada border from Lynden and Sumas,
Unseasonably cold temperatures will continue next week, with daytime highs in the 30s and overnight lows in the 20s and teens — at least 10 degrees colder than normal.
But temperatures would have to approach the single digits to set records next week, according to data collected at Bellingham International Airport.
Snow or a “wintry mix” of rain and snow are possible in the Whatcom County lowlands throughout the week before Christmas, according to long-range forecast models.
A greater chance of snow is seen in lowland areas closer to the border.
At least an inch of snow is possible Tuesday, Dec. 20, and more could arrive Wednesday, Dec. 21, the first day of winter, according to Seattle meteorologists.
Forecasts of snow come as schools break for the winter holidays, and the possibility of a second straight white Christmas looms for Whatcom County residents.
Meteorologists said that there must be an inch of snow or more on the ground to count as a white Christmas.
An inch of snow fell in the Bellingham area on Dec. 25, 2021, followed by several days of heavier snowfall.
This story was originally published December 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
