Snowy pattern for the West late this week

The first half of this week has featured mild temperatures and spring-like conditions across the Southwest and Southern Rockies early this week, while the Northwest and Northern Rockies have received a combination of rain and snow along with high snow levels. A colder storm will impact most of the West on Friday and Saturday followed by a second storm on Sunday with the Sierra and the Central Rockies expected to see the deepest totals.

Forecast for Wed 3/2 – Thu 3/3:

Rain showers and high snow levels (i.e rain/snow line) across the Northwest on Wednesday will give way to a transition to light to moderate snow on Thursday as a cold front moves through. Back to back storms will also impact the Northeast with light to moderate snow totals for Upstate New York and New England.

Forecast for Fri 3/4 – Sat 3/5:

A stronger storm will impact much of the West on Friday and Saturday with moderate to locally heavy snow across the Sierra and the Rockies. A storm will also impact the Upper Midwest starting on Saturday, but warmer air will result in mixed precipitation (rain, snow, and ice) for much of the region. 

Forecast for Sun 3/6 – Thu 3/7:

A secondary storm will impact the Rockies on Sunday with another round expected, while the Sierra could see some additional light snow as well. A storm will continue to impact the Upper Midwest and Northeast on Sunday and Monday with rain and ice impacting a large portion of the region, while Northern Minnesota has a better chance of picking up moderate to heavy snow. 

Outlook for Tue 3/8 – Sat 3/12:

A storm is likely across the West early in this period, favoring the Pacific Northwest and the Northern/Central Rockies. Additional storms are possible across the West later in this period as well with an active northwest flow pattern in place. The Northeast could also see a couple of storms during this period, but a mix of rain and snow is likely. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (3/4).

ALAN SMITH