Seattle, Washington – A cooler late-January pattern is expected across the Pacific Northwest, but current signals continue to support only a limited chance for snow, with most winter impacts confined to higher elevations and mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Pacific Northwest remains under a generally cool and unsettled pattern from Saturday through the following Friday. While periodic systems may move inland, temperatures at lower elevations appear marginal for snow, keeping widespread winter impacts unlikely for most population centers.
In western Washington and Oregon, including Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and the Willamette Valley, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain. Brief snowflakes cannot be ruled out during overnight or early morning hours if colder air briefly moves in, but accumulation at sea level looks unlikely. Travel impacts along the Interstate 5 corridor are expected to remain minimal.
Across eastern Washington and eastern Oregon, including Spokane, the Columbia Basin, and the Blue Mountains, colder air will be more readily available. Light snow or flurries are possible at times, though moisture appears limited, keeping accumulations low. The Cascades may see occasional light snow at pass level, which could briefly affect routes such as Snoqualmie and Santiam passes.
Transportation agencies advise travelers to remain alert when crossing mountain corridors. While significant winter weather is not anticipated, updates could follow if colder air or storm strength increases later next week.
