Western Washington Braces for Extended Cold Snap, Frosty Mornings

SEATTLE, Wash. – Western Washington is enduring an unseasonably cold week, with frigid temperatures and frosty mornings expected to persist through at least Wednesday. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Monday, with wind chills dropping to 20–25 degrees due to northerly breezes of 5-15 mph.

Meteorologist Ilona McCauley of FOX 13 warned residents to prepare for icy and slick road conditions, particularly on overpasses, bridges, and shaded areas. “Widespread frost is expected well into the late morning hours until the sun angle rises high enough to thaw us out,” McCauley said.

High pressure aloft is deflecting Pacific weather systems away from the region, maintaining dry conditions. High temperatures will range from the upper 30s to mid-40s, while overnight lows will dip into the mid-20s to mid-30s. KIRO Newsradio Meteorologist Ted Buehner noted that this January could rank among the five driest on record if the dry weather continues.

Residents are advised to protect pets, check on vulnerable individuals, and cover plants and pipes. A weak weather system late this week may bring a slight chance of showers, but moisture levels are expected to remain low, minimizing the threat of lowland snow. Snow levels in the mountains will range from 2,500 to 4,000 feet through Wednesday, dropping to 1,500 feet later in the week.

Despite the cold, the region will see increasing daylight, with the first 5 p.m. sunset of the year expected on Saturday, Jan. 25. “The growing daylight per day is now about 2.5 minutes,” Buehner said. “Low-level offshore flow should limit morning clouds and fog, resulting in considerable mid-January sunshine.”

As the high pressure rebuilds heading into the weekend, the cool, dry weather is forecast to continue, offering little relief from the ongoing cold snap.