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.

MORNING SNOW

LEWISTON/ CLARKSTON-A batch of light showers is spreading into the Inland NorthWest. In Lewiston & Clarkston, temperatures are now near 30 degrees. Showers may begin as snow, then mix with and change to all rain about 10am as temperatures rise above freezing.

MOSCOW/PULLMAN- Any showers arriving before 10am may begin as snow today before mixing with and changing to all rain.  Tonight snow is likely with little or no accumulation. 
CHECK THE RADAR: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.phprid=OTX&product=NCR&overlay=11101111&loop=yes

SNOW TODAY & TONIGHT

Light snow is entering the region Tuesday into Tuesday Night. This will be the first system of the week and will be followed by a couple more throughout the week. Mainly snow will be associated with this system, then we will transition to a valley rain mountain snow scenario later in the week. Snow amounts will remain light around the region. A slight chance of freezing rain will be possible in the Columbia Basin on Tuesday. Even light amounts of snow can lead to slick travel conditions, so use caution on snow covered roadways. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx 

Best Weather Videos and Photos from 2013

By Scott Sistek Published: Jan 2, 2014
2013 was quite the year for weather photography and videos. From dramatic fog to brilliant lightning to... projecting a movie onto snow? Now that essentially everyone has a video camera on their phone, amazing weather events rarely go uncaptured.
see photos /videos :  http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Best-weather-videos-and-photos-from-2013-238318661.html

Is WSU's Martin Stadium the Coldest Place on Earth?

By Scott Sistek Published: Jan 4, 2014 

The current invasion of polar air into the U.S. comes on the heels of NOAA announcing it has discovered what it believes is the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth. 

Now, before I give the answer, I thought I'd give a quiz where you think that spot might be:

A) Martin Stadium during any WSU home Apple Cup game
B) The front observation deck on any Washington State ferry crossing Puget Sound in December
C) Upper Minnesota
D) Canada
E) Alaska
F) Siberia
G) Antarctica

OK, the answer is the obvious one: Antarctica. The new NASA Landsat Satellite 8 has determined that a high ridge on the East Antarctic Plateau has had temperatures that drop to -133.6F on clear winter nights, narrowly edging Martin Stadium (right?)

"Researchers analyzed 32 years' worth of data from several satellite instruments," NASA said.             full article: http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/How-cold-is-the-coldest-place-on-Earth--238624911.html 

WET WEEK - 7 Day Forecast for the Lewiston/Clarkston Valley

MONDAY: Increasing clouds, E wind 6mph, high temperature near 40 degrees.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, light SE wind, low temperature near 30 degrees.

TUESDAY: Cloudy, light showers may begin with brief areas of freezing rain during the morning, rain totals less than 1/10 inch (my calculation .05”) . High temp near 40.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, showery with light winds from the S. Total rain for the day expected at less than ¼” (.12”). HIgh temp lower 40s.

THURSDAY: Cloudy & rainy, light winds, high near 40. Total rainfall about ¼” (.25”).

FRIDAY: Cloudy with a few showers, about 1/3” total (.30”).  High temp lower 40s.

SATURDAY: Cloudy & rainy, adding another ¼”, high temperature mid 40s.

SUNDAY: Cloudy & rainy, high temp near 40.

Much Needed Soggy Week Ahead

FREEZING RAIN possible Tuesday morning

A parade of storms lined up off the coast will keep a steady stream of showers going for the next 7 days.  High pressure will keep the valley dry for one more day.  Clouds will increase through the afternoon as the first weak storm begins to moisten up our very dry airmass.  Temperatures will also drop below freezing overnight. As showers begin early Tuesday morning, areas of FREEZING RAIN will be possible for a few hours around the Lewis-Clark Valley and Palouse.  This will quickly change to all rain (LIGHT RAIN) over the valley. Expect 1/10 inch or less total (my calculation is .05") for Tuesday.

Rainfall totals gradually increase and total about 1.25 inches by Saturday night as juicier systems move in. Travelers should plan on HEAVY MOUNTAIN SNOW of 1 to 2 feet over the Cascades and N.Idaho mountains Wednesday through Thursday. Valleys south of I-90 can expect rain possibly mixed with SNOW Wednesday night and Thursday morning. L/C Valley rain totals should be a little less than ¼ inch (.12") Wed. about ¼ inch (.25")Thursday then adding ⅓ inch (.30") Friday.