Weather Synopsis for Thursday & Friday

A weak frontal system continues to slowly trudge southward this morning from it's current position over southern B.C. We'll see light rain and snow develop during the morning hours for the Olympics and the northern Cascades. The leading edge of the precipitation will barely nudge southward this afternoon into the central Cascades. In a similar theme to the precipitation forecast, overcast skies will also spread southward this morning. Even if your area doesn't see precipitation during the day, cloud ceilings are likely to lower in the afternoon. Moderate S-SW ridgeline winds will develop over the area in the afternoon, with stronger winds already ramping up over the Olympics and Mt Baker area this morning. Areas south of the frontal boundary will remain mild today. 

The upper low currently positioned offshore will pull south and away from the PNW Thursday night. This will stand up the frontal system, making it more north-south oriented and further weaken it. Light showers will not amount to much overnight, but snow levels will come down into the 4000-6000' range. On Friday, the low will drift closer to the California coast, opening up and directing southerly flow aloft over the area. We should see scattered showers closer to the low for Mt Hood, and perhaps some isolated light showers over the WA Cascades. Cloudy skies may start to thin in the afternoon for areas furthest from the low, near and north of Hwy 2 and the Olympics. Freezling levels will rebound back into the 6000-7000' range by the afternoon.