It’s true — snow is in the forecast.
The potential for snow will be limited to higher elevations around the state, but the National Weather Service and several local meteorologists agree that it’s likely to happen.
A low pressure system that “may test record lows” is headed for the Pacific Northwest this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. That system will also bring precipitation that at least one meteorologist is calling a potential “drought buster.”
Summer snow on Mount Hood is rare, but it does happen. However, this cool-down comes on the heels of record-breaking May heat, making the sudden switch to mountain snow less typical.
The National Weather Service is forecasting snow for Mount Hood starting Saturday night and continuing off and on into next week.
Local TV forecasts appear to agree.
KPTV meteorologist Jeff Forgeron wrote on the station’s weather blog that this weekend a “cooler air mass will lower our snow level to about 4,000-5,000 feet. Yes, snow will be falling and accumulating in the higher elevations.” He added that anyone who wants to see fresh snow next week should head to Timberline Lodge.
KOIN’s Josh Cozart wrote that the “sizzle of the solstice may turn to a slushy, slick and snowy scenario” this year. Cozart also predicted that the snow will drop to nearly 4,000 feet by Sunday night.