Strong Storms Before a Warm Weekend

 Yesterday's rain was just a warm-up round for what's to come. Two strong fronts will cross the Northwest interior in the next couple of days bringing heavy rain, windy weather, and even a risk for a tornado or two!



The first system will begin impacting the region late tonight. Expect a washout of a Wednesday in Western Washington and Oregon. Gusty conditions will also accompany the rain, particularly on the day Wednesday, with gusts up to 40 MPH expected for some of the interior areas. Stronger winds along the coast. 







Interestingly, the SPC has put areas of the Western Oregon coast under a marginal risk for a weak tornado or two. The risk is very low, but people living out on the coast can definitely expect a couple of strong cells packed with heavy rain, wind and lightning. Heed warnings if they are issued! Meanwhile, further inland, impacts may not be as severe, however lightning and some winds could accompany some of the stronger cells.



Another strong front will enter the area on Thursday evening, bringing another round of rain and wind.  Westerly flow behind this system will lead to the formation of convergence zone in Snohomish county on Friday. Areas in the convergence zone can expect additional rain along with a lightning strike or two due to post-frontal instability. All in all, the two systems are going to drop a lot of rain in the coming days, over two inches of rain for many parts so flooding and ponding on roads could become an issue.


However, good things lie ahead and the stormy weather will give way to a nice weekend area wide. Temperatures in the Puget Sound areas will approach and cross the 60s in many areas on Saturday. Then on Sunday, real warmth will spread across much of the area. Much of the Puget Sound will approach the 70's; good day for any outdoor activities! Enjoy the weekend, because it may be one of the few dry and warm days going ahead as an even stormier patter ensues the following week!


Have a good week!


j

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