Seattle, WA – Washington State is preparing for a complex winter pattern from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation and temperatures ranging from near-normal to above-normal across the region. This combination supports heavy mountain snow, freezing rain in western valleys, and rain–snow mix across eastern Washington as Christmas Eve approaches.
According to NOAA, the Cascades and northern mountains—including Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, White Pass, Mount Baker, and Leavenworth—are positioned for multiple rounds of heavy snowfall, particularly from December 19–23. Travel across U.S. 2, I-90, and Highway 12 may become dangerous due to snow-packed roads, blowing snow, and reduced visibility.
Across the Puget Sound lowlands, including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, and Bellevue, temperatures hover near freezing during overnights. This increases the potential for freezing rain or icy mix, especially December 19–21. Even light glaze can cause hazardous travel on I-5, Highway 99, and the SR 167/18 corridors.
Southwestern and coastal Washington—including Aberdeen, Long Beach, and the Olympic Peninsula—will see heavy rain, with localized flooding and strong winds possible. Colder air late in the week may mix in wet snow at higher coastal hills.
Eastern Washington—including Spokane, Pullman, Yakima, Wenatchee, and the Tri-Cities—trends colder overall, supporting light to moderate snowfall through the period, with the potential for a rain–snow mix early in storms. Travel along I-82, U.S. 395, and U.S. 97 may be impacted by slick roads and blowing snow.
The most hazardous window statewide appears to be December 21–24, as colder temperatures and stronger systems interact ahead of Christmas Eve.
