Seattle, WA – A stormy, moisture-rich pattern is setting up across the Pacific Northwest for the Thanksgiving travel period, with new federal outlooks showing a 40–50%+ probability of above-normal precipitation from November 23 through November 29. With colder air settling into the interior and high terrain, the region is poised for lowland rain and significant mountain snowfall during the busiest travel week of the season.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook, multiple Pacific systems will move into Washington, Oregon, and portions of Idaho and northwest Montana. While lowland cities such as Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Salem, and Eugene will primarily experience steady, chilly rain, the Cascades and interior mountain ranges are expected to see accumulating snow—potentially impacting major passes and interstates.
The Washington Cascades may see several rounds of moderate to heavy snow, especially near Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and White Pass. Temperatures look cold enough for snow at elevation, and travel along I-90 and US-2 could slow significantly during storm hours.
Farther south in the Oregon Cascades, including Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, and areas along US-26 near Mount Hood, snowfall is also likely. Periods of whiteout conditions or slushy, icy travel may be possible depending on storm timing.
The Idaho Panhandle and northwest Montana, including Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Kalispell, and Lookout Pass, sit in a zone where colder air overlaps with persistent moisture. These areas may see impactful snow, particularly late in the period as deeper cold air drops southward.
Coastal locations—including Astoria, Long Beach, Aberdeen, and Newport—are expected to remain all rain, though heavy downpours and gusty winds may affect visibility and coastal travel routes.
Thanksgiving week traditionally brings high travel volume along I-5, I-84, I-90, and mountain corridors throughout the Northwest. Rain in the lowlands and snow in the high terrain may cause delays at peak travel hours.
Forecasters expect sharper snow-level and storm-timing details early next week as short-range model guidance begins resolving individual Pacific systems.
