A taste of winter for the West as a big cooldown approaches

A pattern change is on the way for the West this week as showers, storms, and cooler temperatures move in. For some folks in the higher elevations, this shift may even bring a taste of winter.

The WeatherRadar shows a few showers in the forecast for the Pacific Northwest Tuesday but the greatest changes in the pattern will be felt Wednesday as a low drops down from Canada. Fall-like temperatures are expected to move in across the Northwest and into the northern Great Basin and Rockies. For some of the higher elevations, snowflakes are possible.

Cool air will dip down and the TemperatureRadar shows high temperatures in the 60s in cities like Spokane, Wash., Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nev., by midweek. Other West Coast cities, such as San Francisco, Portland, Ore., and Seattle will see highs in the 60s and 70s. Crisp mornings in the 40s and 50s are also expected across the Northwest.

While the cooler air may be a welcome change, it will be accompanied by clouds. Scattered showers with a few snow showers in the mix will linger through the end of the week for the Northwest as well as the northern Rockies and Great Basin. The best chances for snow will be in the higher elevations of the Cascades and the northern Sierra and Rockies.

While rain totals may amount to half an inch or more along the lower elevations, no significant snow accumulation is expected outside of a couple of inches in the highest elevations.

While snow is possible in the mountainous regions, most of it will stay above mountain passes. However, travelers should check road conditions before heading out. Also, make sure to keep your Weather & Radar app alerts turned on and to check the WeatherRadar before heading out.