Holiday travelers should see a mix of weather

A major change in the weather is expected over the Christmas holiday weekend, but forecasters said the change is likely to bring a mix of weather that is hard to pin down until it arrives.
Thick fog this morning was expected to hover over the region into this afternoon on the first full day of winter.
National Weather Service forecasters said it should lift by afternoon with sun likely to show through when the fog dissipates.
Looking ahead, forecasters said a series of storm impulses appear headed to the region as higher air pressure retreats to the southeast after dominating …

A major change in the weather is expected over the Christmas holiday weekend, but forecasters said the change is likely to bring a mix of weather that is hard to pin down until it arrives.

Thick fog this morning was expected to hover over the region into this afternoon on the first full day of winter.

National Weather Service forecasters said it should lift by afternoon with sun likely to show through when the fog dissipates.

Looking ahead, forecasters said a series of storm impulses appear headed to the region as higher air pressure retreats to the southeast after dominating the weather pattern for nearly a month now.

Pacific moisture and milder air are expected to ride up the western and northern edge of the retreating ridge bringing a mix of snow, rain, clouds and wind through the weekend.

For now, colder temperatures are expected for the next few days with highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s and lows in the teens and 20s.

A low chance of snow enters the forecast on Saturday and Sunday as the strong area of higher air pressure begins to break down, allowing the Pacific storm track to graze the region.

Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Rain could replace snow on Sunday.

Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 has rain in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday before cooler air drops the snow level. Lookout Pass could see snow on Sunday night and Monday.

Forecasters said snow at lower elevations is most likely north of U.S. Highway 2.

The chance of snow increases on Tuesday, and the precipitation could turn to rain by Wednesday in the Spokane area.

This morning, Spokane International Airport reported ice fog and 20 degrees at 8 o’clock.