Tri-Cities could see some snow flurries this week say forecasters
The National Weather Service is mentioning the possibility of snow in the Tri-Cities weather forecast this week as temperatures drop.
But chances of significant snow don’t appear to be strong. This winter has seen some light flurries in the Tri-Cities, but there has yet to be a day with enough snow to turn the ground white.
On Wednesday, the weather service is predicting a slight chance of snow after 1 a.m. in the Tri-Cities through mid-morning, with a chance of precipitation at just 20%.
If there is precipitation, the snow level could fall to 500 feet Tuesday night after midnight. A low of 31 degrees is forecast.
Much of the Tri-Cities is around 400 feet, rising to about 1,000 feet just south of Kennewick near the Interstate 82 and Highway 395 interchange. Badger Mountain has an elevation of almost 1,600 feet.
Thursday the chances of snow look a little stronger, with a 30% chance of precipitation forecast. Any precipitation might fall as snow before 1 p.m., followed by a chance of ran and snow. The snow level is forecast at 500 feet.
The overnight lows for Wednesday and Thursday night are expected to be 29 to 30 degrees, and daytime highs should be in the mid 40s.
Snow forecast on interstates
Travelers could see snow on interstates in the Washington Cascade and Blue mountains, but not too much.
At Meacham, Ore., on Interstate 84 about 30 miles east of Pendleton, a winter weather advisory is issued through Wednesday afternoon.
The chance of snow Monday night was 80%, but less than 1 inch was expected, and even less snow was forecast on Tuesday for travelers on the interstate..
However, 1 to 2 inches of new snow were forecast for Tuesday night and again Wednesday.
More snow is possible on I-84 near Meacham through the week and into Monday, Feb. 23.
Travelers heading west from the Tri-Cities on Interstate 90 may see snow throughout the week at Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade mountains.
At least through Thursday, the heaviest accumulation should be Tuesday with 1 to 2 inches of new snow on the interstate at the pass.