SEATTLE (AP) - Drivers crossing the Washington Cascades are likely to see the first snow of the season this weekend in the mountain passes.
The National Weather Service says the snow level will drop to around 3,000 feet by Saturday morning. Several inches of snow are likely over the weekend on higher passes, such as Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Highway and Chinook Pass near Mount Rainier.
The Weather Service says say snow also could stick on Snoqualmie, Stevens and White passes, and travel is likely to be affected.
Forecasters expect cool, showery weather and snow in the mountains to continue into next week across Washington, with most high temperatures in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
MORE WEATHER DETAILS:
The first wave of moisture that essentially kicks off a pattern of cool, wet and gusty conditions through the weekend arrived Thursday night. Throughout the day Friday expect mostly cloudy skies around Spokane with chance of light rain.
The rain looks to be more consistent into the central and northern panhandle, where we could even see a few isolated thunder showers. Winds also expected to start gusting this afternoon around 30 mph.
Highs should be near 60 degrees. Starting Saturday expect a pretty significant cool down, with light showers during the day and possibility of rain/snow mix overnight into next week. With elevations above 2300' possibly seeing light snow showers overnight, but accumulation not really expected except in mountain passes. Going to feel like winter this weekend.
Today: Mostly cloudy/Light rain. SW 15-20, G30 mph. High: 60°
Tonight: Mostly cloudy/chc. showers. SW 15-20, G30mph. Low: 44°
Saturday: Mostly Cloudy/Scattered showers. SW 15-20, G30mph. High: 50°