Seattle, WA – Washington heads into the holidays under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters say residents should still expect rain, snow, or mixed precipitation between December 20 and January 2. With Christmas and New Years included in this window, travel across the Cascades, interior valleys, and eastern Washington may be impacted by shifting winter weather.
According to NOAA, Washington sits within a broad EC temperature band that stretches from the Pacific Northwest across to the Northeast. This means temperatures could trend modestly warmer or colder depending on incoming storm timing. Even so, late December climatology favors snow in the Cascades and eastern Washington, while western lowlands may fluctuate between rain and wet snow.
For precipitation, Washington is also in an equal-chances zone, suggesting near-normal totals. At this time of year, near-normal moisture typically means frequent mountain snow, periodic rain/snow mixes for foothill communities, and mainly rain for Puget Sound—though brief cold shots could allow for lowland snow.
Communities across Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Spokane, Yakima, Wenatchee, and Bellingham should prepare for periodic slick roads, changing precipitation types, and reduced visibility as systems move through the region. Mountain passes—including Snoqualmie, Stevens, and White Pass—are likely to see significant snowfall, posing travel challenges around Christmas weekend and again near New Years.
Historically, inland regions such as Spokane, Pullman, and the Columbia Basin see increased odds for snow during EC patterns, meaning parts of eastern Washington may still achieve a White Christmas if colder air aligns with storm systems.
Residents and holiday travelers are urged to monitor updated forecasts as individual storms approach and temperature profiles become more defined.
