A strong upper level trough is starting to break down the ridge keeping the west hot. This trough is also going to allow Pacific moisture to move onshore and bring in some much needed rain and mountain snow.

This trough will usher in Canadian air, dropping afternoon temperatures throughout the northwest by 15-20 degrees within 24 hours. This will also be beneficial in helping break down some of the heat even in the desert southwest.

The cooler air will settle in and last through the rest of the week. Seattle will see temps on the thermometer go from the upper 60s into the upper 50s which isn’t expected to warm back up through the next 7 days.

The moisture which will move in with the cooler air will start as widespread rain. The higher elevations may see a wintry mix until the cold air has fully arrived by overnight hours. This means a coating to several inches are possible over the next few days in the Cascade Range along with the northern Rockies.

As the upslope continues in Montana and Wyoming over the weekend and into early next week, there could be significant snowfall totals in the highest peaks.

This would be a healthy amount of snow and rain to help with the drought conditions which are ongoing. Join us at 50 past the hour, every hour for updates on the Western region forecast.