A sharp cooldown is on the way for the Pacific Northwest so it is about to look and feel a lot more like fall! A few upper-level disturbances diving out of the Gulf of Alaska will deliver the chilliest air of the season to the region. Accompanying these systems will also be rain, wind, and even the first measurable mountain snow for parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Western Montana this weekend.
Behind the front that works through on Friday, temperatures will tumble 10 - 20 degrees. Dropping highs into the 40s and 50s across the board by the end of the weekend. Breezy northwest winds will add a wind chill factor, especially Saturday AM.
Once the cooler air is in place, the door is open for the first measurable snow for the Cascades and the northern Rockies. Snow levels lowering to ~ 5,000 ft. High peaks could get over 8+ inches. Weekend travelers should prepare for slippery conditions and reduced visibility at times.
Frost and Freeze Alerts are likely by Monday AM and long-range models are already hinting at this cooler. An unsettled pattern will persist through mid-October.