Sunshine and frost continue as Western Washington remains dry

Persistent cool, dry weather is expected to continue this week as high pressure remains aloft just offshore. This system is diverting Pacific weather systems away from Western Washington, creating the current dry weather.

Temperatures are expected to remain cooler than average, with highs ranging from the upper 30s to mid 40s. There will continue to be frostier mornings with low temperatures in the mid 20s to mid 30s. Watch out for icy mornings on roads, especially overpasses, bridges and places with little sunlight. Average high temperatures this time of year are in the mid to upper 40s.

Get ready: Western Washington’s coldest weather of the season is upon us

Low offshore currents are expected to continue to limit morning cloudiness and fog, leading to significant sunshine in mid-January and continued lengthening of days. Increasing daylight per day is now approximately 2.5 minutes per day and the first sunset of the year at 5pm will fall on Saturday, January 25th

If you’re wondering whether this cold weather could lead to lowland snow, there’s one key element missing: moisture. Yes, it’s cold enough for snow. Looking at longer-term weather maps, the next potential source of moisture from the Pacific Ocean is expected to arrive later this week. However, this system will be quite weak and have limited moisture, so there is little chance of lowland rain or snow, particularly in the foothills.

In the mountains, freezing temperatures will vary between 2,500 feet and 4,000 feet through Wednesday. As the weak weather system moves through the region later this week, snow levels are expected to reach around 1,500 feet.

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High pressure in the air is expected to build back up next weekend and cool, dry weather is expected to continue through the last weekend of this month. If the dry weather continues until the end of the month, this January will be one of the five driest on record.

Ted Buehner is the KIRO Newsradio meteorologist. You can read more of Ted’s stories and follow him here X.