Seattle, Washington – Winter may not be ready to fade across the Pacific Northwest, as Groundhog Day tradition and long-range climate signals both point to a slower transition toward spring. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, a familiar sign that suggests six more weeks of winter and pushes expectations for a broader warm-up closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, much of the Pacific Northwest falls into an “equal chances” category for temperatures from February through April. That outlook keeps lingering cool conditions, periodic cold snaps, and continued mountain snow firmly in play. Western Washington and Oregon, including Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Eugene, can expect extended stretches of cool, damp weather, while eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and Idaho remain vulnerable to late-season cold and occasional snow into March.
Precipitation is expected to be the primary driver of impacts. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, large portions of the Pacific Northwest are favored for near to above-normal precipitation through early spring. That supports continued snowpack growth in the Cascades and northern Rockies, while increasing the risk for slick mountain travel along I-90, I-84, U.S. 2, and key passes such as Snoqualmie, Stevens, and Santiam. Lowland areas may also see repeated rain events that elevate localized flooding concerns.
The Farmers’ Almanac notes that spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse beginning early Tuesday, March 3, visible across much of the West. Even with those seasonal milestones approaching, winter impacts may persist beyond them. Residents across the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to stay weather-aware, monitor DOT travel updates, and prepare for continued cool, wet, and occasionally wintry conditions into early spring.
