Seattle, Washington – A cooler late-January pattern is expected to settle along the West Coast, but current signals continue to point to only a limited chance for snow, with most impacts confined to higher elevations and mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the West Coast remains within a generally cool but progressive pattern from Saturday through the following Friday. While periodic systems may move inland, cold air and moisture are not expected to fully align for widespread or high-impact snowfall at lower elevations.
In western Washington and Oregon, including Seattle and Portland, temperatures appear marginal for snow. Most precipitation is expected to fall as rain, though brief snowflakes cannot be ruled out during overnight or early morning hours if colder air briefly filters in. Impacts along the Interstate 5 corridor currently appear minimal.
Across interior sections of Oregon and Northern California, including the Cascades, Siskiyous, and Sierra Nevada, light snow is possible at times, mainly at pass level and above. Accumulations are expected to remain modest, but slick travel could develop briefly on routes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Santiam Pass, and Donner Pass.
State transportation agencies urge travelers to remain alert when crossing mountain corridors, where even light snow can create hazardous conditions. While significant winter weather is not anticipated, updates could follow if colder air or storm strength increases later next week.
