logo
Rain and Mountain Snow for the Northwest
news image
Top Stories
18 Sep 2021 3:55 PM
Multiple rounds of energy moving through the Pacific northwest brings the first chance for heavy rain and mountain snow of the fall season. While snow will be confined to high mountain peaks, the rainfall will be extremely beneficial for the drought-stricken Pacific northwest.

Forecast

As the cold front moves inland rain will increase east of the I-5 corridor and into interior areas of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This moisture will be extremely beneficial for fire fighters battling large blazes across these states. It should also help to dissipate smoke in the region. Heavy rain will continue across the northern Rockies into Saturday night, keeping temperatures cooler and the pattern generally unsettled. Energy from an upper low behind the cold front will bring additional rounds of rain and thunderstorms to round out the weekend along with some high mountain peak snow. More rounds of mountain snow is possible Sunday as cold air behind the front plus energy in the upper levels moves over high elevation areas. This is not totally out of the ordinary, as the average first measurable snowfall in the Salmon Mountains and Bitterroots is in September. As the frontal boundary moves inland we will see rain and snow showers continue, especially over higher peaks. They will be more scattered but could still put down heavy amounts of precipitation at times.

Rainfall Forecast

There will be areas of locally heavy rain, with up to 5" possible along the immediate coastline. Farther inland, we could see up to 3" of rain in heavier pockets. This will certainly help the ongoing drought in the west. Snow on high mountain peaks could accumulate to 3-6" in spots! Excessive rainfall outlooks have been issued again today for the flood risk. Darker green areas indicate higher potential for flooding. Watch out near recent area burn scars for heavy rain to cause mudslides and debris flows.   For more on this first fall front, tune in to the western regional forecast :50 past the hour.
All Weather News
California Snowpack - More than Double of Normal, with More Snow Ahead Tonight
California Snowpack - More than Double of Normal, with More Snow Ahead Tonight
Snowpack statewide is over double the normal,
20 Mar 2023 2:20 PM
After a Brutally Cold Weekend in the South, Relief is in Sight this Week
After a Brutally Cold Weekend in the South, Relief is in Sight this Week
What a cold weekend in the Southeast and now,
20 Mar 2023 2:10 PM
Four Corners: More Rain and Snow
Four Corners: More Rain and Snow
The system bringing rain and snow to Californ
20 Mar 2023 2:00 PM
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
A strong low-pressure system moving into Cali
20 Mar 2023 1:50 PM
Next Round of Winter Alerts for the Northern Plains
Next Round of Winter Alerts for the Northern Plains
Winter alerts are once again in effect for th
20 Mar 2023 1:40 PM
Lake Effect Snowfall Wrapping Up
Lake Effect Snowfall Wrapping Up
We're wrapping up the final weekend of winter
19 Mar 2023 6:50 PM
In Florida for Vacation? Additional Rain Overnight
In Florida for Vacation? Additional Rain Overnight
Florida. The Sunshine State. Usually, that's
19 Mar 2023 6:20 PM