Snow, rain in mix for Christmas
Temperatures to drop for the next few days
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.
National Weather Service 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.
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.