Weather Service warns Olympia area may get wet snow overnight. Here’s what to expect
The Olympia area may get wet snow overnight, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
The agency issued a winter weather advisory early Wednesday morning for Thurston and Lewis counties as well as parts of Mason, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Kitsap counties.
An afternoon advisory indicates lowlands may see snow accumulations of up to 2-3 inches from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday. The NWS warns the public to prepare for slippery road conditions.
The expected wet snow is the result of heavier precipitation coupled with relatively cooler temperatures in the region. The NWS forecast indicates the storm system will approach western Washington from the southwest while cooler air filters into the region through the Fraser River gap from Canada.
The NWS shared in an X post that the highest chances for snow accumulations would be in the higher hills along Hood Canal south to western Lewis County, including western Thurston County.
Rain is expected to begin late this afternoon in the Olympia area before turning to snow, according to the forecast. Rain is forecast to continue Thursday after temperatures rise.
Temperatures are forecast to fall to 35 degrees tonight before peaking in the low 40s on Thursday. The NWS expects lows will remain in the 30s through the weekend while highs will stay in the 40s.
More rain and snow mix may fall over portions of western Washington early Friday morning, according to an afternoon NWS briefing.
“Active weather with additional light precipitation will continue for the rest of the week, but no significant impacts are expected beyond Friday morning,” the briefing summary says.
This story was originally published February 14, 2024 at 10:11 AM.
