VALLEY RAIN - HEAVY MOUNTAIN SNOW

It looks like we are beginning our transition out of the blocking ridge of high pressure to a more active weather pattern. A train of storm systems will bring increased chances for precipitation over most locations. The exception will be over the deep Columbia Basin where a large precipitation shadow will limit totals. The mountains will be the big winners as far as snowfall totals are concerned. Several inches of snow are likely over the Cascades and the Idaho panhandle mountains beginning midweek and continuing into the early weekend. Some light snow accumulations are even possible over the valleys (especially northern valleys), although a transition to a rain/snow mix or just plain rain may occur south of I-90.