Weather update: Snow is heading for Whatcom County, possibly more than initial estimate
Snow is still looking likely this weekend and possibly into next week as a cold snap sweeps across the lowlands of Western Washington, including Whatcom County.
Significant snowfall is expected in the North Cascades, with up to 2 feet of new snow in the Mount Baker Wilderness, where a winter storm warning is in effect through Saturday.
Daytime temperatures around Bellingham are expected in the 30s, with overnight lows in the 20s, and snow is possible starting Saturday night or Sunday.
But how much snow will fall is still unknown, as forecast models continue to differ, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
An online weather briefing at noon Thursday said 4 to 6 inches of snow is possible across the Whatcom County lowlands from Saturday morning to Monday afternoon.
“Temperatures will continue to slowly cool Sunday and Monday, and given the continued existence of showers around at times, a rain/snow mix or snow showers are a likelihood for Western Washington,” meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch said online Wednesday afternoon.
In an online briefing Wednesday, the weather service said the most likely lowland snow scenario for the Whatcom County lowlands is 1 to 2 inches overnight Saturday and another 1 to 2 inches overnight Sunday. There was a one-third chance of 4 inches or more Sunday.
Colder temperatures and frigid north winds will arrive Saturday as a Fraser Outflow pattern develops with gusty north winds from the Fraser River Valley of British Columbia.
Some snow flurries are possible Saturday morning, with locally higher amounts of snow north of Seattle, the weather service said.
“In summary, it will be important to continue to monitor the forecasts through early next week due to the potential of lowland snowfall. Will have to monitor a longer duration period of cold temperatures, especially during the mid-week time frame, along with lower apparent temperatures due to Fraser Outflow across western Whatcom County and across the San Juan Islands,” DeFlitch said.
This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM.
