A Cold Lion

That’s right, March is coming in like a Lion - a COLD Lion.  Our long-range outlook does show promise of a warmer, drier run of a few days, but in the meantime, What You See Is What You Get.  Best to get your Mug refilled.

Snow and rain/snow mixed is the type of precip ahead for the next few days.  Many ‘sea level’ location Patrons have reported sticking snow at times (remember, our general forecasts cover southern BC down to northern CA).  It melts fast, as the ground is relatively warm.  Afternoon temps will chill down another few degrees this weekend, as the ‘core’ of that cold air mass driving the current on/off showers moves overhead.  One only need to move up in elevation a few hundred feet to get ALL SNOW.  Accumulations above 1,000 ft are already impressive, and will continue to build through Monday evening, Mar 4.  Thus, expect plenty of precip through the weekend and Monday.

We do see a ‘window' of DRY this coming Tue & Wed Mar 5,6 around the PNW, as most of the storm action targets California.  Two days with chilly temps, but at least we may stop the rain/snow for bit.  Frosty, if the sky clears.  By Thu Mar 7, the cold, wet pattern returns - a repeat, if you will - with more cold air pooled in a large trough (Low pressure) over the Gulf of Alaska/eastern Pacific.  Next weekend, Mar 9,10, is trending to mirror the current one, so don’t expect Spring to arrive just yet.  Chilly, with on/off rain or snow/rain showers, and snow above 500-1,000 ft.

The wet pattern continues to start the week of Mar 11-15.  Temps will slowly notch up a few degrees as the week progresses.  Wet Mon, Tue, most of Wed.  Good news, though.  Model runs suggest a relatively WARM ridge of High pressure building over the west coast beginning Thu Mar 14.  The dry, mild period could last past the Ides of March (Fri the 15th) on into St Patty’s Day weekend.  Temps could tease the 60s, esp along the coast.  Let’s hope this break in the wet weather arrives, as the entire west coast will absolutely NEED to dry out.  The snowpack along all the west coast mountain ranges will be exceptional.