After a beautiful week of dry and mild weather, the forecast is set to change dramatically in the coming days. As we head into the first week of December, the Pacific Northwest can expect a shift to milder, wetter, and windier conditions.
Starting Thursday, light rain is expected to arrive, with more typical rainy and windy weather on Friday. In the eastern Gorge, the precipitation on Thursday may fall as snow, accumulating a couple of inches at higher elevations. However, little to no accumulation is expected at river level, and it is unlikely that pavement on I-84 will become snowy.
In the Cascades, light snow will begin falling on Thursday and is expected to ramp up on Friday, with heavy snowfall predicted Friday evening into Saturday morning. As a result, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the area, and anyone planning to travel through the Cascades is advised to pay close attention to the forecast.
Following the snowy period, a “Pineapple Express” is forecasted to bring a warm and wet period to the region from Sunday through Tuesday. This subtropical “firehose” of rain is expected to soak various parts of the Pacific Northwest, from southern British Columbia down to southwest Oregon. While widespread flooding is not anticipated at this point, the region will be closely monitored for any impact.
Gusty southerly winds are also expected at the coastline and western valleys, mainly on Friday and Sunday, with typical gusty conditions forecasted.
In light of the upcoming weather changes, it’s important for residents and travelers in the Pacific Northwest to stay informed about the evolving forecast and be prepared for the shift to milder, wetter, and windier conditions in the coming days.
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