More wind, rain ahead for workweek

SEATTLE — On Sunday evening, rain showers tapered and a few more snowflakes fell in the higher passes but Snoqualmie Pass saw mostly rain.

Overnight, temperatures will drop in the lower 40s.

Monday could start fairly uneventful, but again the rain and wind will increase by midmorning. Showers will continue into the evening before we get a quick break overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Winds are looking strong at the coast and up north with a high wind watch in effect Tuesday with possible max gusts between 60-65 mph.

The magnitude of the wind around the Sound and interior sections of western Washington are not expected to be as strong, still breezy though. There is the risk of a high wind event, so we’ll need to watch closely forecast developments, particularly for Tuesday.

In the mountains, we could be looking at higher snow levels and thus more of a heavy rainstorm at the passes Monday night into Tuesday, which could then cause rivers to rise to flood stage.

Scattered showers will continue Wednesday and Thursday with slightly drier conditions Friday into Saturday.

Mountain snow:

Drivers are warned to use extreme caution, slow down and allow plenty of space between vehicles during the winter driving conditions.

Outlook for next week:

Weather systems will be rolling through on Monday and Tuesday and it will be warmer with higher snow levels, meaning more precipitation will fall as rain in the mountains instead of snow.

An atmospheric river is forecast to set up but could be north of us on Monday before dropping south Tuesday. The location of this atmospheric river and the intensity of rainfall and snow levels will determine whether we experience river flooding next week. It is a possibility.

It will also be breezy to windy at times, especially Tuesday. We could then see weather calming down beyond mid-week.

Mountain pass travel updates can be found below:

Nov. 15, 2020 at 11:30 p.m.:

Nov. 15, 2020 at 10:30 p.m.:

Cox Media Group