Going into this cold event, there were several years that popped up as potential analogs, including 2008 and 1990.

In the cold department, we blew 2008 out of the water, despite the relatively short lived duration of this event and the lack of snow. Take a look at the rare single digit readings early this morning from Bremerton National Airport:

But this hasn’t just been an impressive event for us. Almost the entire country has been engulfed in winter’s icy grip this week (actually, technically we’re still in autumn, which makes this even more impressive) with plenty more action to come for the eastern 2/3 of the country:

Have you ever wanted to know what -23 degree feels like? You’re not missing out, but if you must know, take a long ice bath, then stand outside in shorts and a tank top for 10 minutes tonight (without drying off, of course). This little exercise should get you at least closer to feeling negative double digit readings 😉

Seriously though, this cold is intense, from the 20s in Sacramento to near freezing temperatures in Arkansas.

So what does Kitsap have in store for the next week? Actually very seasonable weather down the line, but we have to work through the transition process of scouring out snow before we get there.

Tonight will be another night of lows in the low teens, so be sure to insulate those pipes and bring in the pets! The general story Monday into Tuesday will be mostly cloudy skies with light snow/freezing rain showers with highs in the low to mid 30. The Olympics will shadow us from the brunt of this system, but some light snowflakes are not out of the question. We’re back to the rain and wind by the end of the week.

Long range models are hinting at perhaps another shot of chilly winter weather closer to Christmas, so I’ll definitely keep an eye on that one.

Have a great evening!

Matthew Leach

Forecasting Kitsap

Questions? Comments? Photos? E-mail me at: forecastingkitsap@live.com