Western Washington Braces for Coldest Weather of the Season

SEATTLE — Western Washington is preparing for its coldest weather of the season, with temperatures expected to plummet into the high 20s starting Saturday and lasting through the middle of next week. The prolonged cold snap, driven by strong high-pressure systems, marks the first significant freeze of the winter.

Overnight lows are forecast to drop into the low 30s on Saturday, followed by highs in the high 20s from Sunday through Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about freezing fog and black ice, particularly during early morning commutes. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as protecting exposed pipes and covering fragile plants to prevent frost damage.

KING 5 has activated its First Alert Weather Team to provide continuous updates on the conditions, which could impact lives, property, and travel across the Pacific Northwest. The American Red Cross recommends allowing water to drip from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Local shelters are ramping up efforts to assist vulnerable populations during the freeze. Reclaim, a cold weather shelter in Snoqualmie, is preparing to serve those in need. “We will never turn somebody away that needs those emergency services,” said Jennifer Kirk, executive director of Reclaim.

The Salvation Army in Seattle is also bracing for increased demand. Their shelter, which can accommodate 35 people, is seen as a critical safety net. “It can be very challenging and life-threatening for people. So, this is a safety net for so many that we serve,” said Captain Melissa Jones, a chaplain with the organization.

Marc Garcia, executive director of operations for the Seattle Social Services Unit of the Salvation Army, added that an additional severe weather shelter in the Seattle Center area will support over 120 guests. “We never forget that we are a lifesaving agency before anything else that we do,” Kirk emphasized.

Residents seeking shelter can locate the nearest facility online or by calling 2-1-1. The weather system is expected to remain dry, with only occasional weak showers. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly by late next week, with overnight lows climbing into the lower to mid-30s and highs reaching the mid to upper 40s.

Meanwhile, the region’s mountain snowpack remains below average, with reports from the Northwest Avalanche Center showing snowpack levels ranging from 69% of normal at Hurricane Ridge to 129% at White Pass. Cascade locations, including Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass, are at 70% to 90% of their mid-January averages.

Meteorologists caution that while the cold weather is expected to persist, the possibility of lowland snow remains uncertain due to a lack of moisture. “At this moment, prepare for colder than average temperatures and dry weather this holiday weekend that is expected to hold into next week,” said Ted Buehner, KIRO Newsradio meteorologist.