Snowy conditions could snarl morning commute in western WA
Mar 12, 2026, 5:11 PM
Snow falls on a street as cars pass by. (Photo: Kena Betancur, Getty Images)
(Photo: Kena Betancur, Getty Images)
Snow forecast for Friday morning in western Washington could slow the morning commute.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting snow Thursday night, possibly mixed with rain, transitioning to all snow after 5 a.m. The snow isn’t expected to pile up significantly, with accumulations of less than half an inch forecast, but slick spots could develop on roads.
A mix of rain and snow is expected Friday morning, tapering to just rain by 2 p.m., with a high of 41 degrees.
A slushy inch of snow could accumulate around the eastern side of the Seattle metro area, according to KIRO 7 Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer. Other areas include Bothell to Issaquah, and Auburn, Tacoma, Maple Valley, and into Thurston County.
RELATED STORIES
Chance of snow in downtown Seattle
However, for downtown Seattle, the chances of an inch of snow accumulating are about 30%.
People could see snow fall but not stick, though it will vary from place to place, according to Palmer.
Roads will have faster melting snow, while snow on grassy and elevated surfaces will melt less quickly, he noted.
It will likely rain throughout the day, and after 11 p.m., the rain will likely be mixed with snow again, with a low of 35 degrees.
On Saturday, rain and snow are likely before 2 p.m. The sun may peek out in the afternoon, with a high near 46 degrees.
Contributing: KIRO 7
Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.
