First Frost, Colder Days Ahead For Gig Harbor: Weather Forecast

GIG HARBOR, WA — Temperatures are poised to chill the days ahead, bringing the first freeze and frost to Puget Sound by the weekend, according to the latest forecasts.

Morning lows Thursday should stay in the mid to upper 30s for most, with afternoon highs in the low 50s to high 40s. On Friday, a stronger, colder system will move into the area, bringing more rain to the lowlands as snow levels drop to 2,000 feet.

Here is the 5-day temperature forecast for Gig Harbor:

• Thursday: 54°/39°
• Friday: 48°/37°
• Saturday: 48°/31°
• Sunday: 47°/31°
• Monday: 49°/35°

Forecasters expect mountain passes will see the first snow event of the season, meaning travelers should plan for snow-covered roads and likely delays. Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass are both projected to accumulate up to one foot of snow between Friday and Saturday morning.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a "non-zero but low probability" for some snow to mix with the rain below pass level, which could bring a dusting to towns in the foothills. Major impacts are not expected. For the Seattle metro, the probability for any snow this round is just 5 percent.

The weather will dry out after Saturday morning, forecasters said, as sunny skies accompany a chilly shift in temperatures. By early Sunday, lows will be at or below the freezing mark across the region. According to the National Weather Service, the first frost will likely mean an end to the growing season and could damage sensitive plants.

Temperatures near or below freezing will stick around Monday morning, and afternoon highs are unlikely to escape the 40s. After that, lows are expected to climb back out of the freezing range, with afternoon temperatures in the 50s.