Get ready for possible freezing temperatures in the Seattle area

If you’re one of those people who likes to see how long you can make it without turning on the heat, the end of this week will pose a real challenge.

Temperatures started dropping Tuesday — when the high at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport came in at 59 degrees — and will continue decreasing so that, by Friday and through the weekend, highs will be in the chilly 40s and lows might be right at freezing, according to Mary Butwin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.

“We could see our first widespread frost for the fall season,” said weather service meteorologist Courtney Obergfell, who said the end of October or beginning of November is usually when our first frost arrives.

A weak weather system brought some light rain early Tuesday, Butwin said, and a much stronger one will bring heavier precipitation on Friday and into Saturday morning.

Wednesday will likely begin with overcast skies and possibly some light rain experts believe will clear out by Thursday, Butwin said.

With the dropping temperatures, we could see an accumulation of snow at elevations above 2,000 feet and on the Cascade Mountain passes over the weekend, said Obergfell. A “wintry mix” is also possible near the foothills of the Cascades, Butwin said.

“If you’re heading out this weekend, keep an eye on the forecast,” Obergfell said.

And in the Seattle area, there’s a chance we could see some snowflakes on Friday, though forecast models are still inconclusive, Butwin said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but we’re still not very confident, especially in the metro area,” she said.