Just when you think we're settling into a springtime weather pattern Old Man Winter throws out one last shot. An unusually wet and cold storm is now brewing in the Gulf of Alaska. Look at the satellite map below.

As the storm gathers strength and continues moving south we'll start to see it late Thursday. At first increasing clouds will move in from the northwest, then rain develops by early Friday. Most of Friday will be wet, rain will transitions to showers by Saturday morning. The cold air arriving from the north will drive snow levels down well below pass levels, I wouldn't be surprised to see snow at 3000ft. Headed over the hills for this weekend could be a challenge, 1 to 3 feet (Yes I SAID FEET OF SNOW) is possible out of this system. This is great news for skiers! The problem is getting to an from the mountains studded snow tire were supposed to be off your car the first of the month.

I think Easter Sunday egg hunts and church services should stay indoors. By Sunday morning the GFS 500mb chart has us in a very cool and showery pattern.

Winds at 18,000ft over Portland will be around 70mph from the southwest. This is a good pattern for periods of heavy showers, followed by sun breaks then another round of showers.
We'll likely stay in this pattern through the middle part of next week, gradually warming and drying by next Wednesday.

Stay Tuned
Dave