Snow In Seattle
/When Snow Comes To Seattle
It's December and we expect wintery weather to arrive with a flurry of snow. We pull our collars tight and burrow into our scarves as we hurry home under grey, snow-laden skies. Our pantries are stocked with winter comfort foods.
Seattle, however, doesn't get much snow. It's nestled on a hill next to a large, salty body of water. This makes for a temperate climate and that means we don't have long, deep winters or hot and humid summers.
So when a little snow comes our way, excitement jumps through everyone. The local newscasts follow it snowflake by snowflake. Schools prepare to close. Children bounce around, ready to build a snowman on their snow day.
Snow came at the beginning of December.
To The Store For Warm Clothes
With snow in the forecast, I scurried off to pick up warm accessories.
I had already purchased a waterproof rain coat that included a warm liner. The day before the predicted snow, I ran back to Eddie Bauer to complete the ensemble. I added a warm hat and gloves. Waterproof boots are next on my list.
“It was the first “measurable” snowfall to stick and accumulate in the lowlands of Western Washington and Seattle in nearly two years, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.”
The Snow Begins
The snow started at night. We went to bed wondering what we would see in the morning. Waking up at 6 am, it was still coming down in fat, sloppy snowflakes, but by 8 am, it had already tapered off.
People were thrilled to have some snow to play in and others dreaded driving in it as they headed to work. Retirees breathed a sigh of relief that those days are behind them and blissfully enjoyed the snow knowing they could stay home for the day.
Trees looked festive for the holidays with the most natural of flocking, real snow. Low, grey skies softened the feel of the land.
“It was a delight to many Washingtonians. Earlier in the day, in Lewis and Thurston counties, adults and children ran out to play in snow and build snowmen and have snowball fights.”
Maybe you have favorite seasons?
Do you look forward to the snow? Or perhaps you're a “snowbird,” flying away as soon as it appears.
After The Snowfall
Snow doesn't linger long in the Seattle lowlands. Temperatures rise and storm drains trickle with the sound of melting ice crystals. Rain washes the rest of it away.
While the snow disappears in the lowlands, the higher elevations build their snow pack. Local ski resorts relish the promise of a robust ski season. Snow bunnies dream of icy escapades that await.
Meanwhile, in Seattle, snowmen melt into the grass and we dream of snowflakes that may come again.
