Seattle, WA – Washington will face a sharp drop in temperatures beginning Saturday, November 30, as Arctic air surges into the Pacific Northwest, bringing snow, freezing rain, and icy travel through the first week of December.
According to the National Weather Service, an Arctic front descending from British Columbia will push across Washington over the weekend, driving temperatures 15–25 degrees below normal. The Climate Prediction Center reports a 70–80% chance of below-average temperatures across the region, with snow likely in the Cascades and subfreezing mornings across western valleys.
Drivers traveling along I-5 and I-90 should prepare for slick conditions, limited visibility, and gusty winds that could lead to drifting snow in open areas. The Washington State Department of Transportation warns that freezing rain could impact the Puget Sound region, while mountain passes may experience heavy snow and chain requirements.
This Arctic blast will deliver the coldest start to December in several years, with frigid air expected to linger through at least midweek. The system will also help reinforce widespread cold across much of the northern U.S., marking the start of a prolonged winter pattern.
Residents are encouraged to protect exposed pipes, check heating systems, and bring pets indoors as temperatures plunge. Power outages are possible in areas experiencing freezing rain and gusty winds.
