Arctic front passage Monday PM

Yet another cold weather system will impact the Inland NW this week.  A strong arctic front passage Monday evening will drop temperatures significantly for mid week.  We will take a brief look at the weather expected with this front and finish with why this is all happening.

Windy conditions will be the main story.  Here are the forecast sustained winds Monday evening as the front passes through.

NWS Forecast issued Sunday afternoon of sustained winds 8 PM Monday, October 28th

Here are the forecast wind gusts.  Orange shading ranges anywhere from 35-45 MPH.

NWS Forecast issued Sunday afternoon of wind gusts Monday afternoon and evening

We are also expecting the potential for a brief period of light snow with the front across NE Washington into the Idaho Panhandle.

NWS Forecast issued Sunday afternoon of potential snowfall Monday afternoon - Tuesday evening

The main threat of accumulation will be up in the mountains of the Idaho Panhandle where 1-2" is possible.  But a dusting of valley snow is possible across NE Washington and North Idaho as well.

The winds will usher in cold wind chills for Tuesday morning.

Forecast wind chills Monday night into early Tuesday morning

Temperatures will begin to moderate for the middle to end of this week but still remain below normal.

Why all this cold weather? 

Anomalous high pressure off our coast sending cold systems into our region from the north.

500mb height anomaly Oct 1-25th, 2019

The cold weather to end October could result in some cities threatening records for the coldest October.  Stay tuned!