Mild pattern persists along with spotty rain and fog

The Pacific Northwest will experience spotty drizzle and rain, temperatures about 10 degrees above normal and pockets of fog.  The Cascades are grabbing most of the moisture that has been targeted for the high desert, and as a result the fog is the main weather feature.

The mild air along with the snow on the ground will provide the ingredients to generate fog. The cold air will drift down the mountains and pool in our lower elevations. As the temp drop and the moisture is present, the fog develops.  The temperatures also have been dropping below freezing, or close to it, each night, so the fog becomes freezing fog. 

Freezing fog generates a thin layer of ice on objects that are below freezing. The tiny water droplets that make up the mist are not cold enough to freeze outright, but when they come into contact with an object that is below freezing, then the water freezes on contact.  An icy glaze is generated on that object. An example would be your car windshield, an iron railing, elevated road surfaces like bridges and overpasses. This is possible each of the next few nights.

There is a chance for some spotty rain in the region as well. The rain is coming in from the Pacific and most of the moisture will be deposited west of the Cascades. The rain that does arrive on the east face and the high desert will be light and spotty.

I expect some light rain Friday and overnight into Saturday.  Periods of light rain will continue Saturday afternoon and evening.  Amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch.  Snow will fall above 5000 feet, but not much either.

Dry conditions are forecast for the Sunday and Monday, but the confidence is low that the area will remain rain-free as the pattern of nuisance showers may continue.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 50s Friday then the middle to upper 40s through the holiday weekend.

Stay Safe

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