Western Washington Faces Wet Christmas with Atmospheric River Incoming

Western Washington is preparing for a wet Christmas, with multiple atmospheric river fronts set to deliver significant rainfall and mountain snow. The National Weather Service forecasts that the first front will arrive on Christmas afternoon, continuing through Wednesday night, with additional systems expected Thursday and Friday. Tacoma and Olympia are likely to experience gusty southerly winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, although the timing of peak winds is still uncertain. Rainfall is expected to accumulate between 2 to 3 inches from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon, with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch highlighted that these incoming systems will be less severe than a previous atmospheric river that caused stronger winds.

Travelers heading into mountainous areas should monitor forecasts closely, as snowfall is expected to increase from Wednesday afternoon into Friday. With the holiday season approaching, the combination of rain and wind could significantly affect travel plans for many in the region.