Wet, Cool & Active Weather Stretch, With More Snow Chances: Forecast

SEATTLE — A cool pattern will keep the dream alive for a little low-elevation snow in the coming days, with more active weather in the wings promising snow in the mountains and at least rain in the lowlands.

According to the National Weather Service, snow levels may dip low enough Friday to allow some potential for snow mixing with the rain below 500 feet, with light accumulations possible along grassy areas, bridges and overpasses. As temperatures improve, rain will stick around for much of the day and night, with another chance for some wnoflakes arriving heading into Saturday morning.

In the mountains, forecasters said the models showed a convergence zone developing over Snoqualmie and Stevens Passes, likely increasing the intensity of snowfall Thursday to push totals higher over the Cascades and Olympics.

Friday and Saturday look to stay somewhat wintry, with less substantial snow forecast for the mountains and more moisture in the lowlands.

"Forecast dilemma for the lowlands for both [Thursday night] into Friday morning as well as Friday night intro Saturday morning will be the risk of snow...as overnight lows do dip right around or just below freezing and snow levels get down to around 400 - 600 feet," NWS Seattle wrote Thursday. "Given the borderline nature of temps, cannot imagine much in the way of accumulation should snow occur with the more likely outcome being a rain/snow mix."

Looking a little further ahead, forecasters expect the cold pattern will linger into early next week, keeping the door open for further snow chances. Friday and the weekend should see a little nicer afternoons, with highs generally running close to the mid-40s.