Snow Chances Early Tuesday & Cold Nights Ahead: Puget Sound Forecast

SEATTLE — Parts of Puget Sound could start off Valentine's Day with a dose of winter before the weather clears up for a brisk but mostly sunny Tuesday. The National Weather Service expected rain showers to begin transitioning to snow in some areas Monday evening, with a chance for a few flurries — or a bit more — through early Tuesday morning.

Forecasters believe most areas will see less than an inch, if anything, but two potential convergence zones could boost local totals in the foothills, areas south of Seattle, and parts of Snohomish County.

Beyond the potential for some lowland flurries, heavier snow in the mountains looks poised to make travel difficult over the passes through Tuesday, with up to a foot of new snow possible at Snoqualmie Pass.

The problems had already begun by early Monday evening.

Once the overnight action concludes, forecasters see dry weather hanging on through mid-week as temperatures climb back toward 50 degrees for the Presidents' Day weekend.

"Precipitation will taper off quickly Tuesday morning as ridging builds into the area," NWS Seattle wrote Monday. "A few lingering snow showers will be possible Tuesday, mainly across Lewis Couty southward. Dry weather continues through Wednesday with the ridging."

There may still be more winter left in February, however, with updated climate outlooks strongly favoring colder and wetter weather for the last full week of the month.