The National Weather Service (NWS) extended a High Wind Warning for Cascade foothill areas 
until 12AM, February 3rd, saying the pressure gradients that cause gap wind events (low pressure off shore and high pressure to the east) will be the tightest late Thursday night.
NWS said areas prone to strong east winds could see winds speeds 25-40mph on Thursday, February 2nd, with gusts of 60mph possible. Weather stations at North Bend ES and Mount Si HS had picked up gusts or 48mph and 37mph by 9AM Thursday.
In addition to strong winds, NWS said Friday morning could bring a mix of wintry conditions as a warm front moves in and battles out the colder air. According to a special weather statement issued by NWS, areas above 500 feet near the Cascade foothills could get a couple of inches or snow, and/or some light freezing rain Friday morning.
That wintry mix is supposed to change over to plain old rain by Friday afternoon, though. Highs on Thursday around the Valley are expected to reach the upper 30’s to low 40’s, but with the windchill factored in, it feels much colder. Dew points also dipped into negative territory early Thursday.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts – and don’t blow away out there! Oh, and remember – these NSW warnings don’t guaranty the weather – just a reminder of the possibility of it!
