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Why does it not snow in Seattle?

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The easy answer is: you need cold air + precipitation to get snow, and it's not typical to get both at the same time around the Puget Sound. If you want more than ... When cold air does make it to the shores of Puget Sound, it's usually in the form of a high pressure ridge that sends storm systems elsewhere. read more

It's worth noting that the same factors that keep Seattle relatively snow-free also explain why it snows so rarely at sea level elsewhere along the west coast. The Bay Area receives far less snow than Washington DC or Baltimore, for example. read more

Seattle has a temperate climate due to its proximity to the coast. Normal winter temperatures are in the 40’s, so normally we need to drive an hour away into the mountains to get our snow fix. However, it does snow sometimes, and usually once or twice a year we get enough that it stays on the ground for a day or two. read more

Seattle does not have dedicated snow plows, trucks have to be outfitted with snow removal equipment when snow threatens. Public safety impacts resulting from the inability to get emergency vehicles where they need to go. read more

Here is another example: the town of Bergen in Norway is the rainiest place in Europe because, like Seattle, it is facing the ocean to the west and is bordered by high mountains that precipitates rain by orographic effect. It very seldom snows in Bergen and if it does, it is soon melting. read more

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Forecast: Seattle weather could stay eventful in next ...
Source: csmonitor.com