Western Washington Bracing for a Wet Christmas with Atmospheric River Arrivals

This Christmas, residents of Western Washington should brace for a very wet holiday as a series of atmospheric river fronts are set to bring heavy rain and breezy winds to lowland areas, with snowfall expected in the mountains. Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch from the National Weather Service explains that the first front will arrive on Christmas afternoon and last through Wednesday night, with more fronts expected on Thursday and Friday nights. Tacoma and Olympia are predicted to experience southerly winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with rainfall totals between 2 to 3 inches from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon. Temperatures in these areas are expected to be slightly above average, with highs in the upper 40s on Christmas and low 50s later in the week. Travelers venturing into the mountains are advised to keep an eye on the forecast due to expected increases in snowfall starting Wednesday afternoon.

While the recent atmospheric river was noted for its intensity, DeFlitch indicated that the upcoming systems will not be as severe, but residents should remain vigilant. The article highlights the local impact of the weather on holiday plans and travel safety, urging residents to monitor forecasts and prepare for potentially challenging conditions.